In Massachusetts, parking in front of someone’s house is not illegal—as long as it’s a public street and you’re not breaking a rule (like blocking a driveway, hydrant, or fire lane). That’s the law that’s sparked a lot of debate lately, and here’s what everyone’s talking about.
Is It Illegal to Park in Front of Someone’s House?
Yes, it’s legal to park in front of someone’s house in Massachusetts—as long as you’re on a public street and not breaking posted rules. But don’t block driveways, fire lanes, or other restricted spots. Public roads are just that—public. The key is parking with a little awareness and neighborly decency.
What the Law Actually Says
In Massachusetts, public streets are for public use. This means you can legally park in front of someone else’s house, as long as you don’t break other laws while doing it.
According to 700 CMR 5.401, it’s illegal to obstruct:
- Driveways
- Fire hydrants
- Crosswalks
- Intersections
- Sidewalks
- Bus stops
- Fire stations
So if you’re just parking legally on a public street—without blocking anything—you’re in the clear.
When You Can (and Can’t) Be Towed
Private property is a different story. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266, Section 120D, property owners can request a tow if someone parks on their private land—but they must first file a report with the police.
Cities like Lowell and Worcester also let residents apply for Reserved Parking signs, but these are limited and must be approved by local authorities.
Towing a legally parked vehicle without proper notice or paperwork? That could land you in legal hot water.
Real-Life Friction: Massachusetts Driveway Disputes
Across the state, tempers are flaring.
In Boston, one homeowner recently found an out-of-state car blocking their driveway—and decided to exact a little “creative revenge.” Here’s what they did.
Another Massachusetts mom sparked a neighborhood feud when she parked in front of someone’s house during school pickup. It led to yelling, phone calls, and even threats of police involvement.
“It’s getting out of hand,” one neighbor told The U.S. Sun. “We’re all just trying to live here. But when someone blocks your driveway on a daily basis, it’s hard to stay chill.”
The Root of the Tension: “My Spot” Syndrome
Here’s the thing—many people assume the curb space in front of their home is theirs by default. But under MA law, that’s simply not true if it’s a public street.
That “my spot” mindset? Totally understandable—but legally, it doesn’t hold up.
As someone who grew up on a tight city block in Somerville, I’ve been on both sides of this. We had neighbors who’d glare at anyone who dared use the curb outside their place—yet when snow emergencies hit, we were all out there shoveling each other’s spots. There’s a balance to strike.
How to Handle It—Without Starting World War III
- Talk first. Most people don’t even realize they’re causing a problem.
- Call the non-emergency police line if your driveway is blocked.
- Check your city’s website for residential permit or reserved parking options.
- Document violations with photos and timestamps before taking further steps.
