When a car is parked incorrectly in front of your garage, irritation is an understandable reaction. However, it is important to approach the problem with caution, since opting for drastic measures, such as damaging the vehicle’s tires, can lead to serious legal problems.
Today we explain the legal consequences of damaging a vehicle that obstructs your entrance, the applicable sanctions according to Mexican law and the legal solutions available to resolve this situation without exposing yourself to major problems.
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Damaging another’s vehicle: a crime in Mexico
The Federal Penal Code clearly establishes that Any intentional damage to another person’s property is a crime. According to him article 367, Actions such as blowing tires or damaging any part of an improperly parked vehicle are considered “damage to other people’s property.”
What does this crime entail?
- The law states that anyone who intentionally causes damage to someone else’s property may face fines and prison sentences.
- The severity of the punishment depends on the value of the damages caused.
Legal sanctions for damage to other people’s property
Deliberate damage to other people’s property has consequences that vary depending on the amount affected.
- Minor damages: If the cost of the damage does not exceed a specific limit, penalties can include up to two years in prison and financial fines.
- Greater damages: In cases where the value exceeds higher amounts, such as the cost of luxury tires, the penalties can reach 4 to 10 years in prison.
Legal alternatives to solve the problem
If a vehicle is blocking access to your home, there are legal steps you can take to resolve the dispute safely and without breaking the law.
- Contact local authorities: Call the police or traffic agency in your area. They can intervene immediately.
- Request the use of a tow truck: The authorities have the power to remove improperly parked vehicles using tow trucks. The associated expenses will be the responsibility of the owner of the offending car.
- Apply financial penalties: Depending on local traffic regulations, the owner of the vehicle may receive a fine for obstructing a public road or private driveway.
The risks of acting on your own
Although it may seem like a quick fix, taking justice into your own hands, as flat tires, break mirrors or cause other damage, can have much more serious legal consequences than the temporary inconvenience of not being able to use your garage. Among the risks are:
- Civil lawsuits.
- Obligation to pay compensation.
- Criminal proceedings that may include legal records.
Choosing to resolve the situation impulsively can become a major and costly problem. The safest and most effective option is to proceed in accordance with the law. If a car is blocking your driveway:
- Stay calm: Avoid direct confrontations or impulsive reactions.
- Communicate the problem: If possible, try to locate the owner of the vehicle and request that it be removed.
- Involve the authorities: If the owner does not appear or refuses to move the vehicle, call the traffic police for assistance.
Although damaging a poorly parked vehicle may seem like an immediate solution, the legal consequences are disproportionate and can significantly affect you. It is best to use available legal resources and trust the authorities to handle these incidents appropriately and without risk to you. Resolving the problem peacefully and within the legal framework will always be the best option.
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