Can I Put Cones In Front Of My Driveway? (Find Out Now!)

How is a Driveway Defined Under the Law?

The law has a very broad definition of a driveway. It is a short, paved, or unpaved road that runs from a public road to a garage or house. The law also defines a driveway as a throughway between two parking areas. Additionally, the law states that aisles in a parking lot are not considered driveways.

Is a Driveway on Private or Public Land?

How Traffic Cones are Used

Similar to road signs, traffic cones come in many colors, and each color has a specific meaning.

Orange Traffic Cones

We are all used to seeing bright orange traffic cones. The color tells drivers and pedestrians to proceed with caution because of a potential danger. Orange traffic cones are used to prevent serious injuries or death. This is why orange cones are used around construction sites.

Red Traffic Cones

Red traffic cones are a level up from orange traffic cones. If you see an area marked off with red cones, stay clear. It means that there is an imminent danger, not just a potential risk. Red cones may be used around hazardous waste spills, fires, and other situations in which drivers and pedestrians are sure to be injured or killed.

Yellow Traffic Cones

Yellow traffic cones also indicate danger, but at a lower degree than orange or red cones. For comparison, proceed with caution around orange traffic cones, and stay away when you see red traffic cones. Stay alert when you see yellow traffic cones.

Bright Green Traffic Cones

Bright green is another color that is used to alert others to dangerous situations. The cones are mostly used around entrances in areas with high pedestrian traffic. Bright green cones are also used by utility companies to alert workers of overhead wires.

Blue Traffic Cones

Blue is the only color of traffic cones that doesn’t indicate danger. Instead, the cones are used in parking lots to guide drivers to open spaces. Blue cones also help pedestrians avoid traffic from cars that are looking for parking spaces.

Do Traffic Cones Really Work?

We are all accustomed to seeing traffic cones in public areas, so we know when to pay attention. Setting up traffic cones at the end of your driveway may make you feel better, but it doesn’t fix the problem. People who really want to park in your driveway will do so, with or without traffic cones.

How to Prevent People from Entering Your Property

As you can see, traffic cones carry some pretty serious messages in the interest of public safety. Using cones at the end of your driveway may not be the most viable option. Let’s look at some alternatives so you feel comfortable and safe in your home.

No Trespassing Signs

No trespassing signs are very effective at letting people know the boundaries of your property. The signs also let people know that strangers are not welcome. It is true that people can still park in your driveway, but the signs help law enforcement better handle the situation. People who are caught trespassing face a ticket, fine, and, in some cases, jail time.

Security Cameras

Security cameras are a great way to keep people off your driveway and property. Most people know that they shouldn’t park in your driveway, but feel that no one is watching. Seeing a security camera at the edge of your property may help them reconsider the decision and find parking elsewhere.

Gates

Have you ever seen a gate with no fence? This is another great way to deter people from parking in your driveway. Gates are imposing, much more than no trespassing signs. Just make sure that the gate is installed a few inches behind your property line.

Conclusion

Using traffic cones at the end of your driveway may or may not be legal. People are likely to ignore the cones, so they really aren’t that effective. You also have to consider liability in case someone hits the cones. If you are struggling to find ways to keep people off your property, don’t resort to traffic cones. Try no trespassing signs, security cameras, and gates.

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