FLASH NEWS
"Double" parking/ Here's when it becomes a criminal offense punishable by prison and what drivers risk
2025-07-14 10:50:10 / AKTUALITET
The recent statement by the Director General of the State Police, Ilir Proda, on tightening measures against illegal parking, especially those called "double parking", has sparked debate and misunderstandings among the public.
Many citizens are concerned that any double parking could automatically lead to criminal prosecution.
What is “double” parking?
This is a situation where a vehicle stops or parks on the road, next to another vehicle that is already parked on the sidewalk or roadside. This often leads to narrowing of the lane and difficulties in traffic, but not every case is automatically considered criminally punishable.
When does double parking become a criminal offense?
According to "News24" sources from the State Police, double parking will be considered a criminal offense only in specific and well-defined cases, when it:
-Clearly and directly obstructs the movement of emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire engines, police vehicles or other institutional services.
-It completely blocks the road, making it impossible for other vehicles to pass.
-It causes total blockage of the road for pedestrians, becoming a serious obstacle to public safety.
In these serious cases, the police will not be satisfied with imposing an administrative fine, but will initiate criminal prosecution procedures, according to Article 293 of the Criminal Code, which provides:
“Obstructing the movement of means of transport, placing obstacles and stopping by any means or method the movement of means of transport by road, rail, water or air, is punishable by a fine or imprisonment of up to three years.”
What happens after the police find out?
If a traffic officer finds a case that meets the above criteria, he will not make the decision to prosecute himself, but will refer the case to the prosecutor's office. The prosecution authorities, after reviewing the video footage, testimonies and any other evidence collected, will decide whether the driver of the vehicle should be prosecuted.
This means that each case will be assessed individually, and the decision to file a criminal charge is not automatic, but based on concrete evidence and circumstances.
What happens in ordinary cases?
In most cases of double parking, i.e. when there are no serious consequences for traffic or safety, the police will continue with administrative measures, as they have done so far, imposing a fine according to the Highway Code from 1 thousand to 3 thousand. This also includes the installation of tire blocks and removal with a tow truck.
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