We've all been there - finding ourselves in a predicament where parking inside our houses seems impossible due to limited space. So, what do we do? Many of us resort to parking our cars outside, just in front of our homes.
But here's the burning question: is it actually legal, or are we unknowingly breaking the law? The internet is divided, and we're here to unravel the truth.
Cannot park in front of own landed house?
by u/davesoo in malaysia
A Malaysian Reddit user recently shared a notice from MPAJ (Ampang Jaya Municipal Council) warning against parking cars by the side of the road, deeming it an obstruction to traffic. This revelation left netizens scratching their heads, wondering if they were breaking the law all along. As the discussions unfolded, opinions started pouring in, shedding light on the reality of the situation.
While some argued that parking outside one's house is technically illegal, enforcement on this matter seems to be virtually nonexistent. In some cases, residents may receive notices if the streets are narrow and congested with parked cars.
However, it's worth noting that the law is not consistently enforced, and actions are usually taken based on resident complaints or in areas near commercial lots.
An old discussion from 2011 surfaced, wherein a representative from MPSJ (Subang Jaya Municipal Council) stated that parking outside a parking box drawn by the local council is indeed illegal, not just in MPSJ but everywhere else. However, due to the lack of parking spaces within residential areas, residents often resort to parking outside their homes. MPSJ rarely enforces this rule unless complaints are made by residents or in commercial areas.
One proposed solution to address this issue is to obtain an MPSJ sticker, which allows cars to be identified as occupants of a particular street. However, the legal aspects surrounding parking outside of one's house remain hazy. Some netizens suggested that as long as there are no yellow lines indicating parking restrictions, anyone can park on the roadside. However, excessive cars may result in fines if residents complain or if it causes obstruction.
The uncertainty surrounding this matter calls for clear clarification from the authorities. After all, nobody wants to face fines right outside their own homes. In my humble opinion, parking outside your house isn't inherently bad as long as it doesn't obstruct traffic flow and allows sufficient space for passing vehicles.
However, it's important to consider the Laws of Malaysia ACT 133, specifically Section 46(1)(g), which states that causing any vehicle to rest on a footway can be considered an obstruction. Those found guilty may face fines not exceeding RM500, and subsequent convictions may lead to fines not exceeding RM1,000.
Additionally, Section 46(3) grants the local authority the power to remove obstructions and certify such expenses incurred to the owner or the person offending the law.
Until a definitive answer is provided, Malaysians will continue to navigate this grey area of parking etiquette. It's crucial for local authorities to provide clear guidelines to avoid confusion and ensure a harmonious coexistence between residents and road users.
