ORLANDO, Fla. – One of the best parts of Trooper Steve on Patrol is that many of the topics we cover come directly from viewer questions.
Recently, I received an email asking whether it’s legal for drivers to block sidewalks when parking in their driveways. So, I loaded up Results-1 and headed out into local neighborhoods to take a closer look.
It didn’t take long to find examples.
While driving through residential areas, I saw multiple vehicles parked far enough down their driveways that they extended directly across the sidewalk. In some cases, the sidewalk was completely blocked, forcing pedestrians into the grass or even the roadway.
That’s where a simple parking decision becomes a safety issue.
Sidewalks are meant to provide a clear, continuous path for pedestrians, including children walking to school, people pushing strollers and those using wheelchairs or mobility devices. When that path disappears, people are left with unsafe alternatives.
Florida Statute 316.1945 covers stopping, standing and parking regulations. Under the law, drivers may not stop or park a vehicle in a way that obstructs pedestrian traffic and that includes blocking a sidewalk.
Even though a driveway is private property, the sidewalk itself is part of the public right-of-way. If your vehicle blocks it, the sidewalk is no longer usable and the vehicle may be considered illegally parked.
Enforcement varies by agency and complaint level. Some drivers may receive warnings, while others could face citations, especially when blocked sidewalks create ongoing safety concerns.
More often than not, the issue comes down to awareness. Many drivers don’t realize their vehicle is blocking the sidewalk until it’s pointed out.
Take a quick look before turning the vehicle off.
Be mindful when parking at your home or visiting others. If the sidewalk isn’t clear, the vehicle needs to be repositioned.
Traffic safety doesn’t end when the engine turns off.