Q: I drive a pickup truck for work. It has my company’s logo on the side, and I’ve always parked it in my driveway. Last week, I got a letter from my HOA saying I’m violating the rules by parking a “commercial vehicle” in my driveway and threatening to fine me if I don’t move it. This is the only vehicle I own. Where am I supposed to park it? — Carlos

A: This is a fight that has been playing out in many communities, and the law is increasingly siding with homeowners like you.

Pickup trucks are no longer just work vehicles. They rank among the most popular vehicles on the road and are used by millions of people as their everyday transportation.

Many states, including Florida, where I practice, have recognized this and enacted laws limiting homeowners’ associations’ ability to ban pickup trucks and work vehicles from driveways. Even in states without specific legislation, courts have increasingly scrutinized these restrictions, especially when they are vague or selectively enforced.

The first step is to pull out your community’s governing documents, including the declaration, bylaws, and any recorded rules, and read them carefully. Search for the specific rule your HOA mentions.

Many associations have broad language banning “commercial vehicles,” but they often do not define what that means. A pickup truck with a company logo is very different from a cement truck or an eighteen-wheeler.

If the rule is vague or does not specifically cover your situation, your association might have a hard time enforcing it.

Generally, for your HOA to fine you, it must follow specific procedures.

Most states require that the association provide you with written notice of the alleged violation and give you a chance to be heard before issuing a fine. If your HOA bypassed any of these steps or violated any state or local laws or ordinances, the fine might not be valid.

Be sure to respond in writing to the violation notice and request a hearing if one is offered.

Even where a law has been passed allowing work trucks to park in driveways, some associations are not recognizing it or simply do not know it happened.

In this case, you should calmly point out to them that the law changed and encourage them to check with the association’s attorney.

If your association continues to press the issue, consult with an attorney who handles community association matters.

In many states, including Florida, the prevailing party in an HOA dispute can recover its attorney’s fees, which gives both sides a good reason to try to work things out before it gets to that point.

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