No, you cannot leave your car parked in front of your house. At least, not forever, or even at all in some cases. Here are the two rules to know to avoid fines… and impound.
Everyone knows: you can’t park anywhere, anyhow. A car which obstructs traffic or visibility, which parks in a private parking space or reserved for people with reduced mobility, for emergency, public transport or delivery vehicles, may be fined. It is clear, clear and accepted by all. However, there is a gray area where the driver’s common sense clashes with the rigidity of the law. Because in some cases, even if your car does not bother anyone, that does not mean that you are in compliance. Parking in front of your home, in particular, can quickly cost you dearly… if you don’t know these two specific points of the Highway Code.
In most cities, apartments do not necessarily have parking spaces reserved for residents. And if, by chance, free spaces are available in front of your home, you obviously have the right to park there. But not indefinitely! As for French people who live in individual homes, the rules are even stricter. We often imagine that the space in front of our home is a natural extension of our private property. However, it too obeys very specific constraints. Here are the two points of vigilance that you absolutely must know to avoid seeing the fine fall.
Are you going on vacation and think you can stay parked near your house? After all, there is no charge for parking and your car is placed so as not to obstruct traffic… In reality, if it is indeed possible to leave it there, your car becomes an offender after a certain time, certainly shorter than you think. Article R417-12 of the Highway Code specifies that “the uninterrupted parking of a vehicle at the same point on the public highway or its outbuildings, for a period exceeding seven days” is liable to a fixed fine of 35 euros, which can be increased to 75 euros in the event of non-payment within the deadline. Moreover, if the car is not moved after the fine, it may also be impounded, therefore incurring additional costs. You should also know that certain municipal decrees further shorten this period by seven days: certain cities or tourist districts consider that parking becomes abusive after only 24 hours! So, before parking your car, remember to find out about the rules in force.
It is of course strictly forbidden to park on a sidewalk, even in front of your home, which can increase the bill: this is “very inconvenient parking”, punishable by a fine of 135 euros, increased up to 575 euros in the event of delay. But there is another rule, even stricter, that few French people know: it is simply forbidden, regardless of the duration, to park in front of your own garage or gate (even in the absence of a sidewalk). Yes, even if you are theoretically not bothering anyone except yourself and your vehicle is not encroaching on the roadway, it is an offense. Article R417-10 of the Highway Code prohibits parking in front of “any vehicle entrance”even if it belongs to the driver, without exception. This rule, confirmed by the Court of Cassation in 2017, aims to preserve public traffic and in particular access to emergency vehicles. Indeed, it happens that firefighters, SAMU or even the police have to go to the side in an emergency situation: your car, although it is not on the road, can obstruct the circulation of priority vehicles. By parking in front of your gate or garage, you therefore risk a fine of 35 euros, as well as immobilization and impoundment of the vehicle.
As you will have understood, you cannot park in front of your home at will, whether at the bottom of your building or in front of your own house. Essential rules to know to avoid sanctions and an unpleasant return from vacation! It is therefore sometimes better to plan to find a space in an underground car park, or simply to walk a few more meters to get your car into your garage or driveway.
