Best ways to Keep Neighbors Off your Driveway
Neighbors using your driveway can be extremely annoying. Your driveway is supposed to be your own private property for your use only. However, everyone seems to have neighbors that think they own part of your house too! If you’re looking for how to keep neighbors off your driveway, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 12 ways to keep neighbors off your driveway.
Can my Neighbor Walk onto my Driveway?
Technically, your driveway is your own private property. Therefore, unless you allow your neighbor to walk on your driveway, they shouldn’t be doing so. You could report your neighbor for trespassing if they continue to do this without your permission.
Can Neighbors Legally Turn Around in my Driveway?
It is not against the law for your neighbors to turn around in your driveway, unless they use it to commit a criminal offense. However, if someone continuously uses your driveway to turn, there’s action you can take to stop this from happening.
12 Solutions to Keep Neighbors Off your Driveway
Read on to find out the ways in which you can keep your neighbors off your driveway.
1. Install Motion Sensor Security Cameras
By installing security cameras, you’ll be able to monitor which neighbors are constantly trespassing on your property. You’ll also be able to use this as evidence if you ask them why they keep walking on your driveway. This means they cannot deny any accusations, as you’ll have visual evidence of them doing so.
You could also install motion sensor water sprinklers. This will turn on as soon as your neighbor walks onto your driveway, and paired with the security cameras, you’ll have a funny video of your neighbor getting sprayed for trespassing on your property!
2. Park your Car at the Bottom of your Driveway
If you have problems with neighbors turning on your driveway, you could park your car at the foot of your driveway. By doing this, there won’t be any room for them to enter your driveway and turn their car around. However, make sure you don’t park your car too close to the road that so it doesn’t become a hazard.
3. Install a “No Trespassing” Sign
By having a clear sign outside your property, you’re communicating with your neighbors that you do not want them to access your driveway. Neighbors should see this if they’re on your driveway and swiftly remove themselves from it. However, if a neighbor is on your driveway, you can point them towards your sign and they should understand and apologize. Make sure to put your no trespassing signs in areas that your neighbors can clearly see them. Each state has different regulations in regards to putting up signs, so make sure you do your research so you know how to put signs up where you live.
4. Put up a Barrier
Installing a barrier in front of your driveway would be a clear indication do your neighbors that you do not want them to have access to it. This does not have to be a metal barrier, it could also be a wooden fence, or even some shrubbery. Again, ensure you do your research to find out the local building laws before your spend a lot of money on a barrier.
Also bear in mind that if you install a barrier to prevent neighbors from turning on your driveway with their vehicles, you will then have to open and close this barrier every time you want to leave your property. This might become annoying over time!
5. Put Traffic Cones on Your Driveway
This will keep neighbors off your driveway if they’re trespassing with their vehicle. It will also give a hint to neighbors that walk on your driveway that they should stay off it. However, it may become a bit time consuming for you to remove and replace the cones every time you want to leave and enter your own driveway. It should also be noted that putting traffic cones on your driveway can be illegal in some states, so make sure to research your local laws before pursuing this.
6. Hang a Chain Across your Driveway
Similar to installing a barrier or putting up cones, a chain will also prevent neighbors from turning on your driveway. You’ll have to find two objects to hang your chain from, such as a tree or a bar on a gate. Remember if you do this though, you’ll have to unhook the chain every time you want to use your driveway. Make sure to install the chain in a way that’s easy to hook and unhook, so you’re not wasting too much of your time.
7. Distribute a Letter of No Trespass
If you continue to have issues with specific neighbors, you could write a Letter of No Trespass. By doing this, your neighbor will realize that you’re thinking about taking legal action against them if they do not keep off your driveway. If you’re unsure of how to write a Letter of No Trespass, ask your local police department for an official template, or read a step-by-step guide here.
8. Guard Dogs
If you own a dog that regularly stays in a shelter looking onto your driveway, you could train your dog to bark at neighbors that walk on your driveway. This means your neighbors may get frightened. This is definitely an effective way to keep neighbors off your driveway.
9. Ask for Local Mediation to Assist You
Has the relationship with your neighbor almost been destroyed? If you’re looking to try and salvage this so it’s not awkward when you walk down your street, get a third-party mediator to help you find a solution. You can typically find a mediator at a local community service center. The mediator will arrange a meeting between yourself and the neighbor that won’t keep off your driveway, and allow both of you to get your main points across. The mediator ensures that you both find a solution in a civil manner.
10. Communicate with your Neighbor
If it’s the same neighbor that keeps going onto your driveway, have a conversation about it with them. Respectfully explain to them the reasons why they should not be on your driveway, and tell them you wouldn’t consider being on their driveway. Remember, you should be polite when doing this, because at this current moment your neighbor is in the wrong. However, if you become aggressive with your neighbor, then it will become more difficult to resolve the situation. Your neighbor may start talking badly about you to other neighbors.
11. Use a Towing Company
If a neighbor has parked on your driveway several times, for a long time, or refuses to move their car, call a towing company to come and remove their vehicle. Some neighbors can be really stubborn, and the only way they’ll keep off your driveway is by taking drastic action. However, it is unlikely you’ll be able to resolve your relationship between yourself and your neighbor after doing this. So think carefully before calling a towing company.
12. Contact the Police
Probably a last resort option, get in touch with the police and inform them about your situation. If the neighbor continues to park in your driveway, this can already be considered trespassing which means you could file for a civil lawsuit. Telling your neighbor you’re going to call the police before doing so may encourage them keep off your driveway.
Conclusion
If you have a neighbor that continues to trespass on your driveway, the first and best thing to do is talk to them about it. If this doesn’t solve the issue however, definitely look at using one of our many solutions to take action.