By: Las Vegas Now Staff
The City of Las Vegas is owed several million dollars in outstanding parking tickets. Because nothing's worked so far to collect that money, officials are trying something new.
Written notices, debt collectors and even the boot are not enough to make some parking violators pay. City Finance Director Mark Vincent says the city is currently owed nearly $10 million in outstanding parking tickets and penalties, going back more than ten years.
“But two-thirds of that $9.8 million is penalties,” he said.
And that's what Las Vegas city officials are willing to forgive during a six day parking ticket amnesty program — but not because the city doesn't need the money, “We view this as money we probably wouldn't get without the amnesty program.”
A simple parking ticket for an expired meter will cost you $20. But if you're caught parking in a fire lane or handicapped spot, that's a $250 fine. Then, late fees can double, even triple that amount.
Vincent says one elderly driver who was ticketed three times for parking in a handicapped spot didn't realize how quickly those penalties can pile up, “She ended up owing $2,250.”
City officials say previous moratoriums on traffic tickets have proven to be successful, so officials want to see if a parking ticket amnesty program will also work to collect on these old debts.
“It's an opportunity for people with old tickets or who lost a ticket to get it taken care of, get the penalties waived and clear up their credit record,” said Vincent.
But just like those parking meters, time is ticking away, and if you don't act soon, your opportunity to save some money and clear up your record will expire.
The amnesty program will be held July 29 to July 31, 2008 and again on August 5 to August 7, 2008. Parking tickets can be paid at 417 North 7th Street in Downtown Las Vegas.
Email your comments to Reporter Alyson McCarthy
Got a $190 “traffic” ticket for parking in a “no parking” zone (not a fire lane, not a handicapped zone), back in April 2008. Didn’t pay – and yesterday, received a postcard with my name and “traffic violation” info on it, and an invitation to pay it before they add penalties. Two questions: one, why are these so outrageously expensive? Is this even legal? Two, why are these parking tickets called “traffic violations”? Is that legal, as well? Thanks!
Comment by Alex G. — December 11, 2008 @ 6:18 pm
I received TWO $190.00 parking tickets while trying to find a place to park at WORK!! I paid $100 and asked to be put on a payment plan. They added another $50 for the payment plan. I haven’t paid another dime on those tickets! I believe my employer is responsible for NOT having enough parking places. Since then, my employer added a “parking lot” across the street from where I got the tickets. I bought a new car since then with different license plates. Hopefully I will be able to renew my plates in June.
Comment by Mary — January 12, 2009 @ 3:47 pm
I recvd a ticket at boulder station a week ago. Parking in a handy cap spot,I forgot to post my grandmas dang handicap sign. I take her out and about every other weekend. She is older and was driving me bonkers. I hope tomorrow when I go down there in person,they will clear it up. I had the sign with me I just forgot to put it in my window. Dang haven’t these parking people ever forgot something. $347. I hope I don’t have to pay.
Comment by Kansas — March 2, 2009 @ 1:05 pm
WHEN IS YAL GO HAVE ANOTHER PARKING TICKET AMNESTY. I HOPE SOON LORD KNOWS I GOT TOO MANY DANG TICKETS. I GOT THEM IN MY CAR MY MOMMA CAR AND MY BOYFRIEND CAR. SEE LAST TIME YAL HAD IT I WAS BROKE NOW I GOT A LIL CASH AND READY TO GET THIS OVER WITH, PLEASE HAVE ANOTHER AMNESTY PLEASE!!!!
Comment by ANGEL — June 1, 2009 @ 12:32 pm