Fight a broken-meter parking ticket in Las Vegas
You were cited for an overtime-meter or meter-payment violation, but the parking meter itself was mechanically malfunctioning to the point that its reliability was questionable — for example, it wouldn't accept payment, showed a blank or error display, or gave inconsistent time readings.
the statement
Copy, customize, submit.
To: City of Las Vegas Parking Services Division Re: Notice of Infraction, Citation No. [CITATION NUMBER] Plate: [PLATE] ([STATE]) Date/Time: [DATE], [TIME] Location cited: [LOCATION] I am submitting this Level 1 appeal and respectfully request that this Notice of Infraction be dismissed. On [DATE] at approximately [TIME], I parked at [LOCATION] and attempted to pay at the meter serving that space. The meter was mechanically malfunctioning to the point that its reliability was questionable: [DESCRIBE — e.g., blank or error display, rejected every payment method I tried, showed an inconsistent or clearly wrong time reading]. [IF APPLICABLE: The meter was not posted "out of service" at the time, and I did not exceed the 30-minute grace period LVMC 11.54.200(D) allows in spaces that are so posted.] Under LVMC 11.10.080(C)(2), the Parking Services Division may find no liability, or waive the applicable penalties, where a meter was mechanically malfunctioning to the extent that its reliability was questionable. I ask that this Notice of Infraction be dismissed on that basis. Attached: [time- and date-stamped photo(s) of the malfunctioning meter's display and coin/card slot, any service report or complaint you filed about the broken meter, and a written description of exactly how it malfunctioned]. Respectfully, [YOUR NAME] [ADDRESS] [PHONE] [EMAIL]
This template is for informational use only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Square-bracketed placeholders must be replaced with your specific facts. Rules and deadlines can change; if your situation is urgent, complicated, or high-stakes, email info@imfrustrated.org for a free conversation with a volunteer attorney before you send it.
how to submit it
A few things before you send.
- 1Read the Notice of Infraction to confirm the citation number, license plate, the section of the LVMC allegedly violated, the date/time, and the location (LVMC 11.10.030(A) lists what must be on it).
- 2Before filing a formal appeal, call Parking Services at (702) 229-4700 to see if you qualify for an administrative fine reduction on one of four narrow grounds: Registration Not Displayed (vehicle was registered at the time), Handicap Violation (valid placard at the time), Overtime Meter (valid paid receipt covering the citation), or No Longer Own the Vehicle (dated Bill of Sale/dealer trade-in documents predating the citation, plus a Declaration of Non-Ownership form).
- 3To formally contest, file a Level 1 appeal: complete the "Appeal – Level 1 Request Form," check one of its listed grounds (Vehicle Breakdown, Medical Emergency, Did Not Receive Ticket on Vehicle, Sold Vehicle, Inadequate Signs or Curb Paint, Financial Hardship, or Other) or state your own grounds citing LVMC 11.10.080(C), and attach all supporting evidence (this is a non-appearance, documents-only review).
- 4Submit the Level 1 appeal by mail, fax (702-382-2309), email (parkingappeal@lasvegasnevada.gov), or in person to City of Las Vegas Parking Services, 350 S. City Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89106 — best done within 30 calendar days of the Notice of Infraction being served to avoid the "Late 1" penalty (LVMC 11.10.090(A)); the absolute outer deadline to file any appeal is 90 calendar days after service (LVMC 11.10.090(C)).
- 5Wait for the Level 1 decision from the Parking Services Division's administrative appeal review — you'll be notified by email and/or mail; if you don't hear back within about 3 weeks, contact the Parking Services Office.
- 6If the Level 1 decision finds liability and you disagree, request a Level 2 appeal within 30 days of that decision (LVMC 11.10.080(F)(3), 11.10.100(A)) — only evidence not already submitted at Level 1 is required. Bring the completed "Appeal – Level 2 Request Form" to the Parking Services office in person to schedule a hearing date/time.
- 7Appear (in person, or by an immediate family member, attorney, or authorized business representative) at the Level 2 hearing before the Hearing Officer. The decision is final and binding (LVMC 11.10.100(C)-(D)); failing to appear without first obtaining a continuance lets the Hearing Officer rule against you for the full amount.
- 8If found liable at either level, within 30 days of the decision either pay in full, sign up for an Installment Payment Plan, or (after a Level 1 decision only) escalate to a Level 2 appeal — via the AIMS Parking portal (https://lasvegas.aimsparking.com), phone, or mail. Missing that 30-day window can reverse any reduction, restart penalty accrual, and lead to DMV notice-of-nonpayment filing, collection agency referral, vehicle immobilization/towing, or a civil judgment (LVMC 11.10.080(F), 11.10.100(F)-(H)).
bring receipts
Attach this evidence.
- ✓Photos of the malfunctioning meter (display, coin/card slot, any error message) taken at or near the time of the citation
- ✓Any service report or complaint you filed about the broken meter
- ✓A written description of exactly how the meter malfunctioned (blank display, rejected every payment method, wrong time shown, etc.)
- ✓If the meter was posted "out of service," a photo of that posting and a note of how long you were parked there (LVMC 11.54.200(D) allows only a 30-minute grace period in a space posted out of service for malfunction)
what Las Vegas rules say
The rule this rests on.
LVMC 11.10.080(C)(2) — Grounds for waiver: meter mechanically malfunctioning
Codified ground: LVMC 11.10.080(C)(2) lets the Parking Services Division (Level 1) or Hearing Officer (Level 2) find no liability or waive penalties where, "in connection with an alleged violation of an ordinance pertaining to a meter, the meter was mechanically malfunctioning to the extent that its reliability was questionable." Separately, LVMC 11.54.200(D) makes it its own violation to park more than 30 minutes in a meter space formally posted "out of service because of malfunction" — a meter you found broken but not yet posted is the stronger version of this defense. The burden of proving any defense is on the person raising it (LVMC 11.10.110(C)).
if this doesn’t work
Your next move.
If the Level 1 decision finds you liable and you disagree, you may request a Level 2 appeal within 30 days of that decision (LVMC 11.10.080(F)(3), 11.10.100(A)) — only evidence not already submitted at Level 1 is required. Bring the completed "Appeal – Level 2 Request Form" to the Parking Services office at 350 S. City Pkwy to schedule an in-person hearing before a City-appointed Hearing Officer, an attorney licensed in Nevada. That hearing's decision is final and binding (LVMC 11.10.100(C)-(D)); failing to appear without first obtaining a continuance lets the Hearing Officer rule against you for the full amount.
questions people ask
FAQ.
Do I need to prove the meter was broken, or is my word enough?
You carry the burden of proof under LVMC 11.10.110(C). Photos of the meter's display and slot, any 311-style service report you filed, and a written description of exactly how it malfunctioned all strengthen a Level 1 appeal under LVMC 11.10.080(C)(2).
What if the meter was posted "out of service"?
That's a different rule. LVMC 11.54.200(D) allows only a 30-minute grace period in a space formally posted out of service for malfunction. If you were there longer than 30 minutes, note that in your appeal and explain the circumstances.
Can I call Parking Services instead of filing a formal appeal?
Yes, for one narrow situation: if you have a valid paid receipt covering the citation time (an Overtime Meter issue), call Parking Services at (702) 229-4700 first — it may resolve the ticket through an administrative fine reduction without a formal Level 1 appeal.
Nervous about sending it yourself?
we’ll read it over with you.
Email the situation and a volunteer attorney will respond. No commitment, no invoice, no judgment — just an honest second pair of eyes from someone who actually understands the law.
info@imfrustrated.org