Epic Driveway Showdown Unfolds As Yard-Sale Enthusiast Commandeers Private Property As Personal Parking Space

“Move your car or have it towed!”

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• January 21, 2024

Last Saturday was supposed to be a peaceful day in the neighborhood. Our narrator’s (Original Poster’s ) neighbors were having a yard sale, and it pulled in quite the crowd.

Apart from the cheerful chatter of the weekend shoppers, OP didn’t expect much—and, boy, were they wrong.

The substantial crowd meant parking spaces were at a premium, so it wasn’t long before their neighbor's driveway was bursting at the seams. But before OP knew it, an audacious intruder found a way into their driveway.

Not only did he crash into their driveway uninvited, but he also blocked the pathway of OP’s cars. When OP confirmed their husband wasn’t expecting any guests, they pulled on their game face and stepped out to demand an explanation.

What followed was a heated exchange with the driver who attempted to justify this parking infringement—“Parking on the street was dangerous for his kids, and he had nowhere else to park,” the man barked

OP’s husband didn’t think this was a good enough excuse. He issued an ultimatum: move the car immediately or risk having your vehicle towed. It was no surprise when the man didn’t move an inch; within 10 minutes, an officer arrived to serve as mediator.

The officer affirmed that the disgruntled stranger was on the wrong side of the law. As he reluctantly proceeded to re-park, he launched into a tirade of curses and insults, even threatening to sue OP if any harm befell his kids.

The neighbors hosting the yard sale accused OP of kicking up a fuss. In the pursuit of property rights, it seemed OP inadvertently stoked the flames of a neighborhood feud. 

Were they wrong for asserting their right? Keep reading to find out the final verdict.

Let’s dig into the details

A bit of background

OP and their husband confronted a stranger who parked in their driveway without permission

The man proceeded to argue with the couple, only for them to call the cops to get the car towed

As the altercation got heated, the man threatened to sue the couple. Apparently, OP’s neighbors are split on the matter

Important edit

Here’s how the Reddit community reacted to the story:

“No one is entitled to park in your drive without your permission unless it's an emergency vehicle.”

“I don't understand why people think it's OK to use private property as a parking space.”

“Your 100% NTA, even if you had no where to be. It's your property.”

“The least your neighbors could have done is clear with you that they were having the sale and ask if are okay with people parking there.“

“NTA. You let one guy park there for 15 minutes, then someone sees him pull out and is excited to get such a great spot.”

In the Reddit court of public opinion, the consensus is a resounding NTA. Blocking OP’s exit path was a serious intrusion that could lead to a potential hazard.

Parking on private property should be off-limits except permission is granted. The angry stranger and unsupportive neighbors have no leg to stand on—OP's actions are justified.

What do you think about this story? Let’s get your thoughts in the comments.

Jesse