Under the Nevada State law, it is illegal to park in a handicapped space unless you have a current handicap placard or license plate.
This is considered a criminal misdemeanor.
It can also be a civil infraction in some instances.
The fact is that a ticket for this violation carries a minimum $250 fine in Las Vegas.
This is for a first offense ticket and the fine will go up if there are other previous violations.
NRS 484B.467
Is the law that contains the disabled parking laws in Nevada.
Below are some of the key parts of the ‘parking unlawfully in a handicap space’ law.
- It is illegal to park in a handicapped space without plates that are specifically for disabled persons.
- The plates and placards must also be issued from a government agency.
- You can use out of state placards or license plates in Nevada.
- If an out-of-state person becomes a resident, they must get Nevada plates or placard since the out of state ones will not transfer.
- The person issued the plate or placard should use them only. You may not use another person’s plates or placards as your own.
- Having a handicapped plate or placard does not waive parking fees on meters or in parking garages.
- It is required that a person carry an Authorization Letter from the Nevada DMV.
- A $250 minimum fine can be issued for parking illegally in a handicapped space.
Should I Try and Fight the Ticket?
There are a few ways a person that is issued ‘unlawfully parking in a handicapped space’ ticket can fight back.
Signage Issues – If there is inadequate signage or no signage at all is one defense.
There are many handicapped spaces that have this. Sometimes the paint on the parking space has been removed or just hard to notice.
With cars driving in and out over top of the space it may be impossible to see.
These signs should be clear and easily visible but often are not. Sometimes the handicap sign has been removed.
The high winds and bad weather may be responsible for the sign disappearing.
What To Know
Recently Injured – In some case a placard or license may take time to be issued.
If you were recently injured and haven’t had the time to get the placard in certain situations the judge may drop the ticket.
Proof of Placard, Sticker or License – There are times when the police officer or ticketing person does not see these items and gives out a ticket even though you have one.
If you can provide proof that you have one then the case may be dismissed.
These are just a few instances that our lawyers can try and help you get the ticket reduced or thrown out altogether.
It is helpful if you are able to come up with any type of evidence to support your case.
Eyewitnesses, medical records, pictures and video can all be used as evidence.
If the person can show that they have handicapped plates, placards or stickers at the time that the citation was issued it is possible that a judge can have the case dropped and dismiss the ticket.
There is an appeals process in the City of Las Vegas where you can argue a citation if you feel it was improperly issued.
Our attorneys at Ticket Busters can help defend you while you go on with your life.
Call Ticket Busters
Over 50,000 people in Southern Nevada have used our services.
Ticket Busters has expert attorneys that specialize in all types of criminal defense matters.
Our attorneys are knowledgeable in not only traffic citations but DUI, warrants, and other types of cases.
Ticket Busters will listen to your case and provide a free strategy session with no appointment necessary.
This will help in determining how to proceed with your defense. Our company resolves thousands of tickets a year for our clients.
The defense attorneys at Ticket Busters are also expert negotiators.
This is important in resolving your ticket and can save you not only cash but time in court.
It is always best to have an attorney defend you when it comes to tickets, courts and judges.
Not having a lawyer can put you at a legal disadvantage.
Ticket Busters Can Help
Remember that in the state of Nevada ‘unlawfully parking in a handicapped space’ ticket will increase each time there is a conviction.
With the first offense in the City of Las Vegas at $250 the second offense can add on up to 50 community hours.
A third fine can be up to $1000 and add on up to 100 hours of community service.
It should also be noted that the same ticket in other cities will vary and may even be more expensive.
ADA Requirement to Handicap Parking Spaces
The American Disabilities act requires that all spaces must be properly designated by using the white and blue image of a person in a wheelchair to easily identify the space for handicapped persons.
This is also referred to as the “International Symbol of Access’.
Who Can Park in a Handicapped Space?
A handicapped person is allowed to park in a parking spot that is designated handicapped if they have a currently valid disabled placard, sticker, or license.
This is the same rule whether the property is privately or publicly owned.
A handicapped person can be one that is described as a veteran with a disability.
A handicapped person can also be a person with a permanent or moderate disability as well as a temporary disability like a broken leg, hip, foot, knee etc.
Temporary disabled placards or motorcycle stickers are red and are valid for up to 6 months.
Moderate placards or motorcycle stickers are valid up to 2 years.
Permanent license plates, stickers or blue placards are valid for up to 10 years in Nevada.
Nevada DMV Requirements to Receive a Handicapped License Plate or Placard Include:
A licensed physician or advanced practiced registered nurse must fill out and sign the bottom of the placard/plate application acknowledging the persons disability.
- The person physically is unable to walk 200 feet without having to stop and rest
- Suffers from lung disease
- Is unable to walk without a crutch, cane, wheelchair etc.
- A cardiac condition that limits the person’s ability and function
- Arthritic, orthopedic, nervous system or visual issues that limit them
- A person using portable oxygen
The doctor or nurse practitioner must state whether the persons disability is temporary, moderate or permanent.
Will a NRS 484B.467 Ticket Put Points on My Driver’s License?
The state of Nevada uses a demerit point system of traffic violations. Parking illegally in a handicap space carries no demerit points.
How Will a Ticket for ‘Parking in a Handicap Space Unlawfully’ Affect My Car Insurance?
In most cases it should not have any affect.
Depending on what insurance carrier and policy an individual carries the results may vary.
Our attorneys can look through your policy and give you the right answer.
Don’t Ignore a NRS 484B.467 Ticket
You never just want to ignore any type of ticket that is issued in the state of Nevada.
This will just increase in fines and if ignored for more than 30 days a judge may issue a bench warrant.
This is definitely not worth the hassle of a parking ticket.
It is possible that a person can be arrested and incarcerated.
A bench warrant may also be issued if a person was given the opportunity for community service and bothered not to show up.
The price of the ticket in the City of Las Vegas and all of Nevada will definitely go up if you do not pay it in time.
After 90 days of not paying the ticket, the DMV will then suspend your license.
Don’t delay getting help
Now this can turn into a major headache and now your insurance and other entities will get involved.
You never want any of this to happen.
Ticket Busters is here to guide you through the legal system and help make sure you clear up all your tickets and fines.
This way you won’t have to look over your shoulder wondering.
Any time you have a bench warrant against you it is definitely in your best interest to hire an attorney.
Don’t let it go this far.
Bottom line… don’t ever park in a handicapped spot unless you have the proper license, placard or sticker.
If you find yourself getting a ticket for this offense it is time to call Ticket Busters.
We can look through all the details and evidence of your case and give you your best defense.
Many times, it may not be your fault and the citation given is in error for a multitude of reasons.
We can help get the ticket reduced or thrown out altogether if possible.
We will also make sure that the ticket is properly handled so it will not be an issue later down the road.
