Neighbors parking in front of the house? – Here are 3 Ways to File a Complaint!

Your neighbor’s parking in front of the house is not a trivial matter, but it can be the cause of big arguments between neighbors.

Imagine, every time we want to go out or come home from work, we have to ‘drama’ or sound the horn just because there is a car blocking the gate itself.

If it’s occasional, it might be forgivable, but if it becomes a daily routine, you could lose your temper!

However, before starting a “war of words”, it would be a good idea for us to first understand what our rights are as homeowners and what legal action can be taken.

Is parking in front of your neighbor’s house wrong from a legal perspective?

Many people think parking in front of someone’s house is a trivial matter, even though it is against the law.

In short, it is an offense if a vehicle causes annoyance or inconvenience to other people.

It is based on the following two laws:

ARTICLE 48(1) ROAD TRANSPORT LAW OF 1987

“If a driver of a motor vehicle causes or allows his motor vehicle to stop on any road, in any position, under any conditions, or under any circumstances which may cause undue danger, obstruction or distress to other road users or to traffic, then he commits an offense and if found guilty, may be fined a minimum of one thousand ringgit and a maximum of five thousand ringgit, or imprisoned for a maximum of one year or both.”

ARTICLE 22 MINOR OFFENSES LAW OF 1955

“Whoever, without reasonable excuse, intentionally trespasses into any house or building, or any property, or any boat or ship…and thereby does not cause any damage, or, in the opinion of the Judge, does not cause more than nominal damage, shall be liable to a fine of not more than fifty ringgit.”

Anyone who deliberately parks their vehicle in your driveway can be charged under the Petty Offenses Act 1955 (“AKK 1955”) or the Criminal Code for trespassing.

You can make a police report because it involves private property.

Source: Royal Malaysian Police Facebook (Royal Malaysian Police)

Possible Actions

1. Reprimand wisely

Before making an official report, try the “diplomacy” method first. Don’t stay angry all the time. The best step is to leave the house and meet your neighbors face to face.

Sometimes neighbors have to park for a while because there is an emergency, there are elderly guests who have difficulty walking, or they are unloading heavy items.

If the neighbors are not at home or you are not sure who owns the car, use the residents’ WhatsApp group. Include a photo of the car with a clear license plate number and ask politely. Example sentences that you can use;

“Greetings park residents, ask for the good services of the train owner [Model & No Plat] to move the vehicle because it was blocking the way in and out of my house. I really appreciate your cooperation.”

This is also initial evidence (paper trail) that you will try to discuss if this problem continues.

If the neighbors don’t move or the WhatsApp group doesn’t get a response, leave a note on the windshield of the car.

Apart from maintaining good relations, the steps above will actually help you if the case is brought to the authorities.

The police or PBT will usually ask, “Have you tried talking to the neighbors?”

Hah, if you have done all the steps above, that is proof that you are a rational party and have tried to resolve the problem peacefully.

2. Note down the evidence (don’t keep bouncing!)

Before making a report, make sure you have strong evidence. Authorities need facts, not just verbal complaints.

• Take pictures & videos: Make sure to clearly see the vehicle plate number, the position of the car blocking the gate, and the road conditions.

• Save notes: If you’ve ever sent a message in a WhatsApp group or stuck a note on your car’s rearview mirror, take a screenshot (screenshot) or take a picture of the notes as proof that you tried to have a good discussion.

3. Make a COMPLAINT!

There are 3 ways to complain that you can try if the problem of neighbors parking in front of your house is still ongoing, namely through;

• PBT Official WhatsApp Line
  • Send a clear photo of the car (number plate + gate block), Google Maps location pin, and simply write: “Home access barrier, Article 48(1) APJ 1987” to your location’s official PBT Whatsapp channel. As a result, vehicle owners can be charged compound fees.

• Local Complaints Portal
  • Apart from WhatsApp, large PBTs such as DBKL or MBPP usually have their own, more sophisticated complaint platforms. You can take a picture, upload it to the portal and a digital compound notification will be sent to the vehicle owner if found guilty.

• PDRM
  • If neighbors are starting to overdo it to the point where they can’t get out in an emergency, or they are deliberately accusing them of being “gangsters”, this is the time to involve PDRM in the Road Transport Law.
  • When you make a report, clearly state the vehicle that caused it “unreasonable obstacles or difficulties”.
  • PDRM can order the owner to move the vehicle or, if necessary, call a tow truck to transport the car to the station.
  • In addition to the Road Transport Law, you can also make reports based on public nuisance or trespassing (if they park in your fenced area). Under Minor Offenses Act 1955neighbors may be subject to fines if they intentionally trespass or disturb your peace.

Even though reporting to the police is your right, if possible, make it the last step (last resort).

Our goal is to solve problems, not “fight” forever with our neighbors. But if you have to, the law is always on the right side!