Fight a Las Vegas parking ticket for a disabled vehicle
A sudden mechanical malfunction caused your vehicle to be parked or stopped where it was cited, and you had it removed as soon as could reasonably be expected afterward.
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], my vehicle experienced a sudden mechanical malfunction that caused it to be parked at [LOCATION]: [DESCRIBE THE FAILURE — e.g., the engine would not restart, a flat tire with no safe way to change it, a transmission failure]. I had the vehicle removed as soon as could reasonably be expected thereafter, on [REMOVAL DATE/TIME], by [TOW COMPANY / REPAIR SHOP NAME]. Under LVMC 11.10.080(C)(5), the Parking Services Division or Hearing Officer may find no liability where a mechanical malfunction of the vehicle caused it to be parked in the area alleged and it was removed as soon as could reasonably be expected thereafter. I ask that this Notice of Infraction be dismissed on that basis. Attached: [a tow or repair receipt showing when the vehicle was removed from the location, repair-shop documentation describing the mechanical failure, and any contemporaneous evidence such as photos, a roadside-assistance record, or texts/calls showing I acted promptly]. 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.
- ✓A tow or repair receipt showing when the vehicle was removed from the location
- ✓Repair-shop documentation describing the mechanical failure
- ✓Any contemporaneous evidence (photos, roadside-assistance record, texts or calls) showing you acted promptly to have the vehicle removed
what Las Vegas rules say
The rule this rests on.
LVMC 11.10.080(C)(5) — Grounds for waiver: mechanical malfunction of the vehicle
Codified ground: LVMC 11.10.080(C)(5) — "a mechanical malfunction of the vehicle caused it to be parked in the area alleged and it was removed as soon as could be reasonably expected thereafter." The Level 1 and Level 2 appeal forms both list "Vehicle Breakdown" as a named checkbox ground.
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.
Is there a checkbox for this on the appeal form?
Yes. Both the Level 1 and Level 2 appeal forms list "Vehicle Breakdown" as a named ground you can check directly, corresponding to LVMC 11.10.080(C)(5).
How fast do I need to have the car removed?
LVMC 11.10.080(C)(5) requires removal "as soon as could be reasonably expected" after the malfunction. There's no fixed number of hours in the ordinance, but a tow or repair receipt showing prompt removal makes the strongest case.
What documentation actually supports this ground?
A tow or repair receipt showing when the vehicle was removed, repair-shop documentation describing the specific mechanical failure, and any contemporaneous evidence — photos, a roadside-assistance record, or texts/calls — showing you acted promptly.
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