How close can you park to a driveway?

Many people are aware that if you park too close to a fire hydrant or stop sign, you can get a parking ticket. But did you know you could also end up with a ticket just for parking too close to a driveway entrance? So, how close can you park to a driveway? The truth is the answer varies.

How close to a driveway can you legally park?

In Ontario, parking by-laws are regulated at the municipality level. This means that every city and town can set their own rules regarding how close or far away you must park when parking near a driveway. Here are some examples of driveway parking by-laws in Ontario:

• In Ottawa, you can be fined $80 for parking within 1.5 metres of a driveway or laneway and fined $85 for parking in front of a driveway.
• In Hamilton, you can be fined $75 for parking within 0.45 metres from a residential driveway and one metre from a commercial driveway.
• In Toronto, you cannot park in front of or within 0.6 metres of the entrance to a driveway.
• In Oakville, you cannot park in front of or within one metre of a driveway.
• In Kitchener, you cannot park in front of or within 1.5 metres of a driveway.
• In the Peel Region, you cannot park in front of or within 3 metres of a driveway along a roadway where the speed limit is 50 km/h or less.

As you can see, parking rules can vary significantly depending on where you live. To avoid any trouble, make sure you're parking the right distance from driveway entrances by checking your local by-laws.

Can you get a parking ticket for parking too close to a driveway?

Yes. Parking enforcement officers can give you a ticket and even have your car towed and impounded, all at your expense, depending on the by-laws in that municipality. However, while parking too close to a driveway can get you a ticket, it won’t usually lead to a tow unless you are fully blocking the driveway.

Why do you have to park a certain distance from driveways?

Drivers need enough room to safely get in and out of a driveway around your parked vehicle. If you park too close, not only are you risking a parking ticket, but you're also risking your vehicle getting damaged by a car trying to enter or exit. You're also putting the other driver at risk when trying to exit their driveway and enter traffic. If you're not sure whether your car will safely fit, it's best to search for another parking space.

Do parking tickets affect your car insurance?

No, parking tickets won't affect your car insurance rates. While they can be annoying and expensive, they don't show up on your driving record because they're not considered moving violations. This also means that you cannot receive demerit points for parking tickets. So, even if you get ten parking tickets, your insurance company won't know, and it won't impact your premium. However, they may have an effect when you go to renew your vehicle permit, depending on where you live.

Car insurance for street parking

There's a reason that people who park in driveways or garages often have cheaper car insurance. Parking on the road increases your risk of damage to your car, whether it be from another vehicle, theft, vandals, or something unavoidable like a fallen tree after a storm.

If you're someone who regularly parks on the street, and we suspect you are since you're here looking at how far you need to park from a driveway! It's important to ensure you have the right car insurance coverage for your needs. But how does car insurance protect your parked car? Let us explain:

Collision coverage

When you think of collision coverage, you likely think of being involved in an accident while driving. However, if you have collision coverage, the cost to repair or replace your vehicle would be covered, no matter who was at fault in the accident.

This means that if your car is parked on the side of the road, and someone comes along and crashes into it, your collision coverage may kick in to cover the difference if the at-fault driver doesn't have enough insurance to cover the damage.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage, also known as parked car insurance, basically covers everything else that collision doesn't. It covers theft, vandalism, fire, weather damage, and falling objects like a fallen tree branch.

This coverage is essential for anyone who parks their cars outdoors, including a driveway. You never know when a freak storm will bring hail that leaves significant damage on your car, or if someone is going to shatter your driver's side window for the couple of bucks you left in your cup holder.

Uninsured automobile coverage

Remember that scenario where we mentioned someone crashes into your parked car? Uninsured automobile coverage protects you when that at-fault driver either doesn't have enough coverage or has no insurance coverage at all. But what if that driver takes off? This coverage will protect you, too, as it also covers hit-and-runs.

So if you wake up in the morning to find your car damaged with no sign of the driver or a contact card under your windshield wiper, this coverage kicks in. Luckily for you, uninsured automobile coverage is mandatory in Ontario, so you'll already have it as part of your car insurance policy.

Other types of car insurance

When getting car insurance, certain types of liability coverage are mandatory in Canada, while others are optional but still equally important. It’s good to remember that sticking to just the coverage you need can save you money, especially if you’re a safe driver. In addition to the three coverages mentioned above, here are other common types of car insurance people typically choose:

Third-party liability coverage

Liability insurance, or third-party liability coverage, helps cover costs for injuries and property damage from a car accident. It can also help with medical bills, lost wages, and even legal fees if needed. This coverage is mandatory across Canada, but the minimum required amount depends on the province you're in.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage kicks in if you're involved in a car accident, whether it was your fault or not. It provides compensation for you and your passengers if anyone gets injured or worse. This coverage takes care of things like medical expenses, rehab programs, caregiving, income replacement, and even funeral costs if needed.

Direct compensation-property damage coverage

Direct compensation coverage, also called no-fault insurance, helps cover damages if you're in an accident that wasn't your fault. This includes injuries and damage to your vehicle. But if you're at fault, you'll only be covered if you have collision and comprehensive insurance.

Accident forgiveness coverage

Accident forgiveness coverage protects you from a rate increase after your first at-fault accident. It helps you keep a clean driving record as long as you stick with the same insurance company. However, once you've been in an at-fault accident, you cannot continue to have this coverage.

Other parking tickets when there is no signage

As you drive around city streets, you probably notice a lot of posted signs showing different parking rules in your area, from no parking on private property or in school zones to 2-hour parking limits and signs that indicate you can only park there during certain months.

But did you know that there are also parking regulations even when no signs are posted? Unless otherwise indicated by a traffic control device, you could still receive a ticket for parking when there are no signs. In addition to parking in front of or too close to a driveway, here are a few other ways you could end up with a parking ticket:

• Parking near a stop sign
• Parking too close to a fire hydrant
• Parking too close to a fire hall
• Parking in front of or too close to a pedestrian walkway
• Parking too close to an intersection, including roads, streets, and highways
• Parking too far from the curb or edge of the road
• Blocking access to a bus stop
• Parking on a sidewalk or boulevard as it's city property
• Parking too close to a railway crossing
• Angle parking instead of parallel unless otherwise directed
• Facing the wrong direction when parked

Looking to update your car insurance policy? BrokerLink can help

If you're looking to update your car insurance in Toronto or anywhere in Canada to ensure it's fully protected while it's parked on the road, BrokerLink is here to help. We partner with some of the best insurance companies in Canada to provide you with the best insurance solutions for your needs and budget. Whether you're insuring your car, home, business, recreational items, or pets, let us help you find the best coverage possible.

Since 1991, the BrokerLink team has been dedicated to finding insurance policies that meet the needs and budgets of our customers. We are experts in all things insurance and can ensure you receive the most competitive rate on your policy.

Our brokers are also happy to answer any insurance-related questions you may have, including topics like why your insurance claim was denied and ways you may be invalidating your car insurance. You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations across Canada. You can also take advantage of our free car insurance quotes by using our free online quote tool today.

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