What are the laws on parking a public street blocking driveway in Los Angeles?

In Los Angeles, parking a vehicle on a public street blocking a driveway is prohibited by law and considered a traffic violation. Various regulations are in place to ensure that driveways remain accessible for residents and emergency vehicles. Here's an overview of the laws and key points:

1. Obstruction of Driveway: California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 22500(b) states that it is illegal to park or leave a vehicle in a manner that blocks a driveway or makes it inaccessible.

2. Fire Hydrants and Crosswalks: Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or within 20 feet of a crosswalk is also prohibited, as these areas need to remain clear for emergency access and pedestrian safety.

3. Signage: Driveways often have signs or markings indicating "No Parking" or "Private Drive." Disregarding these signs and parking in front of driveways is a violation.

4. Disabled Access: Parking in a way that obstructs a driveway designated for disabled individuals (marked with an accessible parking symbol) is particularly severe, and violators may face additional penalties and fines.

5. Penalties and Fines: Parking in violation of driveway regulations can result in fines and penalties. The exact cost depends on the specific location, the duration of parking violation, and the discretion of the local law enforcement agency. Los Angeles typically has steep fines for parking violations.

6. Enforcement: Parking enforcement officers and law enforcement can issue citations or place parking tickets on vehicles blocking driveways. In some cases, they may have the authority to have the vehicle towed away, especially if it presents a significant obstruction or safety hazard.

7. Exceptions: In some limited situations, parking in front of driveways may be allowed, such as during loading or unloading of passengers or goods for a brief period (usually no more than 3-5 minutes). However, this typically requires the vehicle's presence and not leaving it unattended.

8. Reporting Violations: If you witness someone blocking your driveway or a neighboring driveway, you can contact the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) or the local law enforcement agency to report the violation.

It's important to be mindful of the laws and regulations regarding parking in front of driveways to avoid inconveniencing residents, obstructing emergency access, and facing potential penalties.