There are many cases when the owners of houses argue with other drivers for parking on the sidewalk in front of the building.
The law prohibits the parking of cars on sidewalks PHOTO: Arhivă Adevărul
In all cities in Romania, we see signs on the fences of buildings stating that parking is prohibited in front of the respective property.
There have even been numerous disputes between homeowners and some drivers who park on the sidewalk in front of the house, on the grounds that the latter are not allowed to leave their cars there.
However, the law says that the sidewalk in front of a house belongs to the public domain. In order for it to be in private ownership, the beneficiary should pay tax to the town hall for that area.
“The law prohibits the occupation of sidewalks by vehicles, if they impede the movement of pedestrians. According to judicial practice, drivers are penalized if they block the sidewalk. It doesn’t matter if it’s the sidewalk in front of the house or the block where you live. This rule applies regardless of whether the person who parked is the owner of the house or another person”, lawyer Valentin Ciobanu explained for ProMotor.
However, the rules established by local administrations must also be taken into account. Some local councils have banned parking on pavements or in other undeveloped areas.
It must be said that Romanians have the possibility to rent a parking space from the town hall. In which case, according to the law, only the one who pays this rent has the right to park even in front of the house, but in a space designated as a parking space.
How much is the fine for illegal parking?
The minimum penalty for illegal parking is 2 fine points. And since in 2024 the fine point increased to 165 lei, it means a penalty of 330 lei. The maximum fine is 495 lei. In addition, the driver will receive between 2 and 3 penalty points.
But, he can also be fined for irregular parking. In this situation, the legislation provides for a fine between 660 and 825 lei.
Each town hall can set its own penalties for illegal parking, which are enforced by the Local Police.
