Imagine waking up to a $283 fine—for parking in your own driveway. That’s exactly what happened to Jäclyn Clairé, and she’s not happy about it.
Taking to social media on Thursday, the Bondi resident vented her frustration after being hit with a parking violation. The reason? Her driveway is apparently classified as “Crown land.”
Woman hit with a $283 fine for parking in her own driveway https://t.co/eCWelnjDts pic.twitter.com/6ljEeSB54I
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) April 25, 2023
“Has there been a recent change in parking rules on Warners Ave?” she asked in a local community group. Clairé explained that her car doesn’t fit in the garage, so she parks in her driveway, always leaving enough room for a double pram to pass. Until now, there hadn’t been an issue.
To prove her point, she shared a photo of the parking ticket alongside an image of her car parked in the spot she’s always used.
The post quickly went viral, sparking heated debates. Many rallied behind her, encouraging her to challenge the fine.
“I’d definitely fight this,” one user commented. Others shared similar experiences, saying they’ve parked the same way without penalties. “We do this too, and a ranger told us it’s fine,” one person wrote.
But not everyone was on Clairé’s side.
“Rules are rules,” one user remarked, adding that drivers should be more responsible about parking and their housing choices. “If that means moving to a place with better parking, so be it.”
When contacted by 7News, a spokesperson for the Waverley Council clarified the situation. “This has always been a fineable offence under the Australian road rules,” they said. However, enforcement was generally lenient unless complaints were filed.
That leniency changed recently, thanks to a flood of complaints from residents and NSW Fire and Rescue. According to the council, parking across driveways—even your own—is technically illegal unless you’re actively dropping off or picking up passengers.
While the law might be clear, this case has left many questioning its fairness. Is it reasonable to fine someone for using their own driveway? Or should common sense take precedence over strict rules?
What do you think? Share your thoughts below or tag a friend who loves a good parking debate!
