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Blocked driveway in NYC: how to report it
Last updated: 2026-10-19
A car blocking your driveway in NYC is both frustrating and resolvable. The city has a clear process: report to 311, NYPD issues a summons, and the car is towed at the owner's expense. You don't pay. This guide walks through the exact steps and what to expect.
In 311, pick Blocked Driveway, not Illegal Parking. The police can give the car a $95 ticket. After the car has a ticket, you can ask the precinct for a rotation tow or call a licensed tow company. The car owner pays. You do not.
SidewalkSnitch is an independent civic tool. Not affiliated with the City of New York and not a government 311 service.
Step 1: Report it to 311 (what info you need)
Call 311 or open the NYC 311 app. Choose the category Blocked Driveway — this is critical. Do not select "Illegal Parking" or "Parking Violation" — those route differently.
You'll be asked for:
- Your address (the property with the blocked driveway). This is the address of your house or building.
- The street address of the blocking car. If the car is parked directly in front of your driveway, use the same address. If it's across the street or a few doors down, give the nearest street number.
- License plate (if visible). Optional but helpful. If you can read it, provide it. If not, 311 will still file the complaint; NYPD can confirm the violation from your driveway address.
- Vehicle description (color, make, model). Rough details help; NYPD can match it to the car on your street.
Submit the report. You'll receive a Service Request Number (SRN). Take note of it — you can check status at portal.311.nyc.gov.
Car parked in your driveway itself? Call 911.
If a car is parked in your driveway, not in front of it, call 911. 311 treats this as trespassing. (311 KA-01062)
Step 2: Police summons — why it must come first
NYC law requires a summons (citation) before a car can be towed for blocking a driveway. This is not optional. An NYPD officer must arrive, confirm the car is blocking your driveway, and issue a ticket to the vehicle owner (based on their registration).
The summons serves two purposes: it notifies the owner they violated the law, and it authorizes the city to tow the car. Without the summons, no tow happens.
Response time depends on NYPD workload. The car must still be there when the officer arrives — if it has moved, the officer will note that and close the complaint without action.
Who can have the car towed
- The car must have a ticket (notice of parking violation) first. (§19-169(a); 311 KA-01062)
- The lot must have no more than two homes (dwelling units). You can be the owner or the renter. (§19-169(a))
- You must sign a written tow request for the tow company. (§19-169(c)(1))
- The tow company cannot tow a car if a person is in it. (§19-169(c)(2))
- Use a tow company with a DCWP license. (DCWP)
Step 3: Who pays, and how much
The car owner pays. You do not. For a blocked driveway, a licensed tow company can charge the car owner up to $125 for the tow and the first 3 days of storage. After day 3, storage is up to $15 per day. This cap is the same for a police rotation tow and for a tow company you call (NYC Admin Code §19-169). The ticket is $95 (DOF violation code 98) everywhere in NYC.
Where does the car go?
The tow company takes the car to its own storage lot. The car owner can call the local police precinct to find it. (NYC Admin Code §20-519(b)(1))
How to file from this page
- Photograph the vehicle blocking the driveway, with the plate readable and the driveway entrance visible.
- Tap Add photo of blocked driveway. We draft paste-ready text.
- Tap Copy, then Open 311. Paste. Submit on the city's site.
- Keep your Service Request Number.
See it. Snap it. Fix it.
We prepare the text. You file it on 311. Nothing goes to 311 unless you send it.
FAQ
Can I park in front of my own driveway?
Yes, in some cases. You must be the owner or the renter of the lot, the car must be registered to you, and the lot must have no more than two homes. (DOF code 98)
What if the car is in my driveway, not in front of it?
Call 911. 311 treats it as trespassing. (311 KA-01062)
Who pays for the tow?
The car owner (311 KA-01062). The tow company can charge up to $125, with the first 3 days of storage included, then up to $15 per day (NYC Admin Code §19-169).
Can I call a tow truck myself?
Yes, after the car has a ticket, if your lot has no more than two homes. You can be the owner or a renter. Use a DCWP-licensed company and sign a written tow request. Cap: $125 including 3 days of storage, then up to $15 per day (NYC Admin Code §19-169).
How much is the ticket?
$95 (DOF violation code 98), everywhere in NYC.
Related: car blocking a fire hydrant · report a parking violation · start a report
Document your blocked driveway now.
Photograph the vehicle, the curb cut it is blocking, and the plate.
See it. Snap it. Fix it. We prepare the text. You file it on 311. Nothing goes to 311 unless you send it.
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Related guides: How to report a commercial truck parked overnight in NYC · What actually happens after a NYC 311 parking complaint · How to report an abandoned car in NYC · Report a car blocking a bike lane in NYC