Action News Jax is separating the fact from fiction on where it is and is not legal for you to back in your car.
A debate on the website Reddit showed there’s confusion about the rules in Jacksonville when it comes to backing your car into a spot.
“Your windows get all fogged up or you can’t see, so it’s easier and quicker. And you ain’t got to worry about somebody being behind you,” driver Mark Bailey said.
Reddit commenters argued about an Action News Jax story on Monday involving a mother who accidentally backed over her toddler, killing him.
Some commenters said it’s an example of why it’s safer to back your car into a parking spot.
Others commented with claims that backing your car in is illegal because it prevents police from seeing your license plate.
“I think if you own your own home or are renting somewhere, I think you should have the right to back up,” Bailey said.
The confusion seems to stem from a 2015 proposed ordinance.
Jacksonville City Council debated making it illegal to back your car into your own driveway.
It failed.
A current Jacksonville ordinance allows the city to fine a driver up to $20 if they back their car into a spot at a city-operated parking facility.
“I had not heard that,” Susan Mankowski, who parks in a city garage five days a week, said.
Mankowski said she never thought twice about backing in.
“That actually does make sense, just because if I do pay here and what they’re looking for is to see who pays regularly and keeping track of my license plate,” Mankowski said.
The bottom line: Private businesses and homeowners associations might have their own parking rules, but for the most part it’s not illegal to back into a parking spot.
Cox Media Group
