The Immobilization Prohibition By-law 2025-097 will come into effect on June 16, 2025, in response to calls from the community about the increased use of parking boots and similar devices that lock vehicles in place without the vehicle owner’s consent.
The use of parking boots and similar devices, such as wheel locks, wheel clamps, or “barnacles,” with the intent to keep unauthorized vehicles in place without the vehicle owner’s consent will be prohibited in Oakville. The new by-law affects all vehicles parked on municipal lands and private property.
The term “without the vehicle owner’s consent” is included in the by-law to differentiate from cases where vehicle owners might use these types of devices to prevent theft. Municipal Enforcement Services (MES) will investigate complaints from vehicle owners where parking boots, or similar locking devices, have been installed in violation of the new by-law.