23-06-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Is it illegal to park on a dropped kerb outside your house?
Having pavements altered in our streets, including kerbs, can be useful in many ways, from allowing easier access to those who need it, or for car parking purposes.
But you might be wondering if you can park on a dropped kerb outside your own house or if it's illegal – let's find out, according to a motoring expert.
Can I park in front of my own dropped kerb? See if you can be fined
Although there appears to be no official law to stop you from parking on a dropped kerb outside your own home, there is a Highway Code rule to be aware of which won't result in prosecution.
What's the law on parking in front of driveways?
However, breaking the rule could result in a penalty charge notice (PCN) depending on your area.
Aleksandrs Buraks, head of growth at explained: 'Rule 243 of the Highway Code specifies that you should not stop or park in front of the entrance to a property, unless forced to by stationary traffic - it also says you cannot park where the kerb has been lowered to help people with limited mobility.
'However, Rule 243 is phrased as 'do not' park in these places, rather than you 'must not' park there - this means that breaking Rule 243 is not automatically a criminal offence, unlike some other rules in the code.
'There have been cases of people being issued a PCN for parking in front of their own house on a dropped kerb, on the grounds that they are preventing pedestrians who may require a dropped kerb from accessing it, such as wheelchair users.
Blue Badge user rules
'However, some local authorities, such as Havering Council, specify that you are allowed to park across the dropped kerb in front of your own driveway.
'Some local authorities will have different policies around parking on dropped kerbs, so it's worth looking into what it says on your local council's website - the amount that you could be fined on a PCN for any parking misconduct will also vary across different boroughs and neighbourhoods.'
Always check the rules for your local authority when it comes to parking on a dropped kerb outside a property you own.
Recommended reading:
How much does it cost to get a kerb dropped in the UK?
MyJobQuote explains: "Each local council will charge different amounts for dropping a kerb, but the average cost for the complete job is usually around £800-£1200.
"There are a number of other factors that can affect the cost, including the size of the pavement, your location, and the number of kerbs that need to be dropped."
