Is it illegal to park in front of another person’s home in Missouri or Kansas?
On-street parking can be a highly coveted commodity in crowded Kansas City neighborhoods. You may have even seen some residents putting out traffic cones or other objects to reserve themselves a parking spot.
So when you drive home after a long day and see someone else’s car filling that precious spot right in front of your house, it’s normal to be annoyed.
But is that other driver actually breaking the law by taking the space in front of your property?
Here’s a look at parking laws in Missouri, Kansas and Kansas City.
Is it illegal to park in front of somebody’s house in Missouri or Kansas?
No. On Missouri and Kansas roads, parking spaces in front of most buildings are first-come, first-served.
It is, however, illegal to park in front of someone’s driveway in both Missouri and Kansas. And in Kansas City, it’s illegal to park within four feet of a driveway, too.
That means that for city residents, there should be at least four feet of space between your car and the edge of any driveway — public or private. Breaking this rule could result in a fine of up to $500.
Where else should I avoid parking in Missouri or Kansas?
In both states, it’s illegal to park in the following places:
On a sidewalk
In a crosswalk or intersection
Alongside any car parked against a curb
On a highway, including highway bridges and tunnels
On railroad tracks or within 15 feet of a railroad crossing
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
Anywhere that blocks traffic on a road
Anywhere posted signs say parking is prohibited
In Kansas City, it’s also illegal to park on or within four feet of streetcar tracks. In the city, the distance you must park away from a fire hydrant reduces to five feet.
Do you have more questions about traffic laws in Missouri or Kansas? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
