Driveway parking enforcement
Your driveway is more than just an entry and exit point for your car.
Emergency services may need clear access to your driveway in an emergency situation. Fast and efficient access to houses and businesses can prove critical in life threatening situations.
Vehicles parked in driveways can also become road hazards. They can create blind spots and preventing drivers from seeing oncoming traffic.
That's why in Australia it is illegal to stop on or across a driveway, even your own driveway.
The City of Hobart has begun proactively enforcing the Tasmanian road rule that prohibits drivers stopping across driveways with a proactive focus on the CBD area. The road rule itself is not new. What's changing is that we are taking a more consistent and proactive approach to enforcement, particularly in areas where this behaviour is causing ongoing access issues.
In just one year alone there were 435 complaints received regarding person(s) parking across driveways. 75 per cent of these complaints related to residences and businesses properties within the CBD.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Why the change?
Historically, enforcement has been largely reactive, and in response to complaints. This approach has led to inconsistent outcomes and confusion about the legality of parking in driveways.
We want to introduce a consistent approach that is fair to everyone. That means enforcing driveway road rules rather than just waiting for people to complain about blocked driveways.
What does the rule mean?
As a driver you must not stop across a driveway unless you are actively dropping off or picking up passengers.
You must remain with the vehicle and move on as soon as possible – within two minutes.
Will you be targeting all of Hobart?
Our Customer Service data shows 75 per cent of complaints and infringements relate to the Hobart CBD. This is why proactive enforcement will focus here, where the impact is greatest, while recognising different parking pressures in residential areas and will continue to respond to any complaints when received.