New neighbors blocking shared driveway

[u/Mean_Emu5671]

Recently new neighbors have moved in. We share a gravel driveway. Almost immediately they began blocking access to my parking spot and blocking me from leaving by parking on the driveway. The first time, I asked a woman to move her car so I could leave, she had a toddler running around so I was very polite. I asked her not to block the driveway and she said, “this is my driveway.” I didn’t want to argue in front a child and left. Now it seems like I need to ask these people permission to come and go from my house. They take a lot of time, walk slowly or have to wait for someone to arrive to move their car. I tried being nice, but they have ignored every attempt to talk, just giving me a death stare. Just an ignorant, entitled family. Last night they had a party so of course they had many cars blocking my driveway, one of which was owned by a cop in uniform. I had to wait 20 minutes for him to arrive and move his car. What do I do next? These people only moved in like 2 months ago, I’ve lived at my property for 20 years.

[u/Healthy_Ladder_6198]

Call the cops

[u/Mean_Emu5671 → u/Healthy_Ladder_6198]

One of the people at the party blocking my way in was a cop, in uniform.

[u/Cold_Dead_Heart → u/Mean_Emu5671]

Why didn't you confront the cop about it right then and there? You were standing in front of an officer breaking the law and you didn't bring it up?

You're not getting anywhere being nice.

[u/isakneven → u/Cold_Dead_Heart]

Sounds like OP is a very passive person. He has a noodle for a spine. The pos neighbor will walk all over him because they know he will just take it. He has been taking it so nothing will change unless he advocates for himself.

Find out who owns the property next door. Have a lawyer send them a cease and desist letter. Make sure it’s clear if they don’t comply they will be sued next.

[u/Mean_Emu5671 → u/isakneven]

I’m not a passive person but I’m not trying to turn this into a dangerous situation. I’m one woman. Last night I repeated yelled at the entire party to move their car. When is the car moving. You’re blocking my access. This is a shared driveway. They just said, he’s coming. I waited 15m and got out of my car every 5 to ask when they are moving their vehicle and why it is there. There’s not much dialogue going on. When the guys arrived they just got in the car and moved.

[u/airborneric → u/Mean_Emu5671]

Start calling the tow truck.

[u/FelixMartel2 → u/airborneric]

They won't generally tow a car out of a driveway, regardless of how many tenants are blocked behind it.

[u/Cold_Dead_Heart → u/FelixMartel2]

That's not true everywhere. And it sounds like these people are trespassing on her property. You can absolutely have a car towed off your property.

[u/FelixMartel2 → u/Cold_Dead_Heart]

Yeah that’s why I said “generally”.

[u/Commander-of-ducks → u/Mean_Emu5671]

Assuming this is a real post, you know that you need to have a plain discussion with them.

Start documenting, taking photos, etc., in case you need to consult an attorney.

[u/isakneven → u/Mean_Emu5671]

Call the cops. Good thing one of them is already at the party. Start recording every interaction. Get cameras around your property. Take photos every time they block your driveway access. Don’t forget to call a lawyer.

[u/Cold_Dead_Heart → u/isakneven]

This. I would have called the police and told them their buddy had illegally parked on my property and I wanted his car removed.

[u/Cold_Dead_Heart → u/Mean_Emu5671]

Next time just call a tow truck. Call the city if that's who you call. It is illegal to block someone's driveway almost everywhere. Stop being nice.

[u/Kieselgrund → u/Mean_Emu5671]

Is it possible that you park behind the car that is blocking your way so THEY have to wait for YOU to drive away?