Walking On Private Property

Summary

Homeowners cannot legally prevent you from walking on public streets, but driveways are private property. If there are no sidewalks, walk along the streets edge, avoiding private property. If confronted, calmly explain your safety concerns. Homeowners can ask you to stay off their property, but cannot ban you from the neighborhood.

Full Conversation

Some guy with a fuming mad face said that what are you guys doing walking in people's driveways and that I touched his car I never want to see you in this neighborhood ever again. The reason why I walked on the guys driveway was because the road has no sidewalks and I wanted to prevent getting hit by a car. I only walked on the part that borderlines the street. There are no sidewalks and we were concerned about traffic. The homeowner cannot legally prevent me from walking in the neighborhood or on public streets.
Hey Patrick! It sounds like a stressful situation. You are right; a homeowner cannot legally prevent you from walking on public streets. However, walking on someone's driveway, even if for safety reasons, can lead to misunderstandings. Here are some points to consider:
- Public vs. Private Property: Walking on public streets is allowed, but driveways are private property.
- Safety Concerns: If there are no sidewalks, you may walk along the edge of the street, but avoid stepping onto private property.
- Communication: If confronted again, calmly explain your safety concerns and your intent to avoid traffic.
Is there anything specific you want to know about handling such confrontations legally?
The guy cannot legally say I never want to see you in this neighborhood ever again right
You're correct; he cannot legally ban you from the neighborhood or public streets. However, he can ask you to stay off his private property, including his driveway. If you encounter this person again, calmly explain your safety concerns and try to avoid walking on private property.
Is there anything else you'd like to know about handling such situations?