Appealing Citations

This week readers want to know what the appeal process is for a parking citation at McCarran International Airport; and is it legal to put a "student driver" sign on a car if you are not affiliated with a professional driving school?

Tom Kroplinski asks: How do I appeal or challenge a citation I received from the McCarran Airport parking authority?

I checked with Chris Jones, McCarran spokesman, who told me anyone receiving such a citation has several options.

Under Nevada law, parking violations are treated as a civil matter, Jones said.

A person who receives a parking citation at the airport can appear before a representative of the Clark County Department of Aviation as part of an administrative procedure, he said.

"In many instances, violations are waived or the fines are reduced during the administrative procedure based upon the circumstances of the alleged infraction," Jones said.

But you must respond to the citation within 30 days, Jones said.

After the 30 days are up and if no response is received, the Department of Aviation sends a notice of delinquency to the driver. The driver then is given another 30 days to respond or appeal. If the driver doesn't respond again, a civil penalty is imposed along with the original fine.

"For those who do not appear to challenge a citation, or for those who appeal but their explanation or denial is deemed insufficient to warrant a dismissal during the administrative procedure, the County Code provides for enforcement by way of a civil suit in Justice Court for the Las Vegas township, or by filing a notice of nonpayment with the Nevada DMV in accordance with Nevada Revised Statutes 484.444," Jones said.

Ramee Marbut asks: I'm teaching my teen to drive and am interested in putting some signs on my car to let other drivers know that he's a new driver. I understand that it's illegal in some states to put "student driver" signs on a car unless you're affiliated with an officially licensed driving school. Is that the case in Nevada?

Driving schools are required to have signs identifying the school and that there is a student driver behind the wheel, but "there is nothing to prohibit a private party from mounting a sign that indicates there's a beginning driver behind the wheel," said Tom Jacobs, DMV spokesman.

Just be careful to avoid having the sign obstruct the view of the student driver, Jacobs said.

Also, Jacobs asked if such a sign is put in place, it shouldn't look like any sign on a driving school vehicle, "or the DMV is going to get complaints from the driving schools."

Note: I'm still accepting your thoughts and comments for the best and worst casino parking garages in the valley. Please e-mail at roadwarrior@reviewjournal.com or call 387-2904. You can use the categories I used in Sunday's column (which can be found at www.lvrj.com) or feel free to create your own categories.

If you have a question, tip or tirade, call Francis McCabe at (702) 387-2904, or send an e-mail to roadwarrior@reviewjournal.com. Please include your phone number.