Business Owner Uses Forklift To Lift Parked Car With Driver Inside — Viral Video Sparks Safety and Legal Debate

A viral clip filmed in England and shared on X shows a business owner driving a forklift into a parked red car, lifting it while the driver remained inside, and placing it onto a tow truck. The dramatic footage captures glass breaking and onlookers reacting as the owner appears to take matters into his own hands rather than wait for professional assistance.

The video opens with a red car and a forklift rounding a corner. The operator drives the forklift into the vehicle; viewers can hear glass shatter as the forks engage the car and the operator maneuvers it onto the lift arms. At one point the owner lifts the vehicle and sets it down on the bed of a tow truck while the trapped driver honks and shouts. The audio records the owner yelling at the driver, but the words are indistinct.

Online Reaction

The clip provoked strong and mixed reactions online. Many users criticized the method and said they would have waited for a licensed towing crew. Others defended the owner as a frustrated small-business operator fed up with blocked access.

One commenter highlighted parking restrictions, noting that single and double yellow line rules affect who may act: 'The real issue in this video isn’t simply parking in front of the shop, but parking on top of the YELLOW LINE. In such a case, the shop or property owner cannot touch the vehicle. They report it to the DVSA, and only the towing team can remove it.'

Other viewers warned the owner could face serious charges, arguing the maneuver endangered the driver by using forklift forks while someone remained inside the car. Some suggested alternative lifting techniques that might have been safer, while many suspected the clip could be staged for views.

Safety and Legal Notes

Local parking rules and enforcement vary, and commenters referenced UK-specific agencies such as the DVSA. This article does not attempt to determine the legal status of the action shown; legal liability would depend on local law and the full facts, including what happened before and after the recording.

The Daily Dot was unable to independently verify the circumstances described in the clip or establish events that preceded the footage. The incident, whether real or staged, raises clear questions about public safety, proper procedure for removed vehicles, and the risks of using heavy machinery in public spaces.