Can I park my car in front of my own garage in France?

Reader question: I live in a small town in Alpes-Maritimes and due to an extra car being parked on my street it is harder for me to find a space. I have a garage but use it for storage so can I park my car on the street in front of it? It is only me who would be affected.

In fact it is illegal in France to park on the street in front of a garage even if it belongs to you.

This is considered illegal parking (stationnement gênant), with a €35 fine possibly given to people breaking this law, due to the car blocking potential police access.

It is also, predictably, illegal to park in front of other people’s garages.

It is possible that the police will show tolerance if you prove that you have only blocked your own garage.

For information, it is also illegal to park in front of an access to a person’s property (a gate or driveway for example) – a fine of €35 can also be given for this, rising to €75 in the case of a repeat offence.

To be clear, this answer refers to parking in front of a garage or property which has access onto a public street. If you have a driveway with a garage on your own property, you can of course park where you like.

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