Yo, on 22nd Nov 2025 17:17, I got slapped with this $70 parking ticket for barely blocking my own driveway we’re talking less than 1% vibes, not even a real block. I was just temp parking for under 5 mins to rush my pregnant wife to the midwife appt. Meanwhile, the neighbors next door were blasting absolute bangers, throwing a garage party, and straight-up blocking the footpath with their rides. Someone snitches, parking officer came, they quick-move their cars, and boom no fine for them. But my quick stop? Costs me. Bruh, the injustice is real. 😤 And when I say blocking, I mean I wasn’t even touching 1% of the actual entrance. AT (Auckland Transport) really woke up and chose violence.
According to Auckland Transport (AT), you can’t park or stop across any driveway entrance, even if it’s your own crib. The rule’s like: “You must not block entry to or exit from any driveway.” And NZTA backs it up no parking over a driveway or within 1m of its prolongation (fancy word for the extended edge). Why? ‘Cause parking wardens can’t tell if it’s your spot or not, and it could block emergency access or peeps trying to dip in/out. Lowkey makes sense for safety, but high key sucks when you’re in a pinch.
References: at.govt.nz, legislation.govt.nz
Oh! wait, funny question though, don’t Auckland Transport have addresses for all vehicle owners? I mean I am sure warden can search REGO number (just like he type for ticket) and can see if the vehicle is actually mine or naa? And about “emergency access”, warden must have eyes to see right? If the vehicle is actually blocking emergency access or naa.
It gets worse. NZTA says you can’t park within 1 meter of the “prolongation” of the driveway. In places like Flat Bush, the driveways are built extra wide where they hit the road. If the concrete is wide, the “no-go zone” is basically the whole street. It’s giving “we just want your money” vibe.
Reference: nzta.govt.nz
As per above reference image, driveway starts from the house boundary but widen after footpath to the road. But What if widen driveway is too wide? Like, the driveway is way too wide than the actual driveway. Just like in my case. Most of the houses in Flat Bush have very wide driveway to the road. Most houses here got that suburban sprawl energy, designed for multiple cars or whatever. But if your driveway’s super wide, does that mean the “1m rule” hits different? Nah, the law’s strict it’s measured from the kerb crossing, and even a tiny overlap can get you fined.
But hey if you work in Government, then rules do not apply to you. Look at this image below:
Reference: /r/auckland/
This vehicle in the image has Auckland Council logo which means it most probably Council’s vehicle is actually block the whole driveway. This is what blocking the driveway should be but because it is council’s vehicle, it is totally fine. What a waste!!
I was scrolling through “r/Auckland” and saw a post that blew my mind. Someone reported cars blocking a wheelchair ramp/kerb crossing. You’d think that’s a guaranteed fine, right?
Wrong. AT apparently told them it was “completely legal” in that specific context.
Let’s recap the math:
- Parking 1cm onto your own driveway for 5 mins to help a pregnant woman = $70 Fine. ✅
- Blocking a wheelchair user from crossing the street = Totally chill. ❌
I did some digging, and if you’re dealing with this BS, here’s what you need to know:
- The “Momentary Stop” Myth: There is no “5-minute grace period” in NZ law. If your wheels are stopped and you aren’t “picking up or dropping off” (where you stay in the car), they can ticket you instantly.
- The “Proken Kerb” Trap: AT defines the driveway by the “drop kerb” (where the sidewalk dips). Even if your car is nowhere near where the car actually drives, if you are over that dip, you are cooked.
- Auckland is Broke: Just kidding (maybe), but AT has been under huge pressure to increase revenue. In 2023/2025, parking fines across NZ increased significantly. That $40 fine? It’s $70 now. Thanks, inflation.
Auckland Transport really needs a vibe check. The fact that they prioritize ticketing residents over actual safety hazards is a major L