NRS 484B.450 – Illegal Stopping or Parking in Nevada

NRS 484B.450 is the Nevada statute that addresses illegal stopping, standing or parking. This is typically a civil infraction punished by a civil penalty. People who get these parking tickets do not have to do traffic school or have Nevada driver’s license demerit points added to their license.

The statute states that:

1. A person shall not stop, stand or park a vehicle, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or official traffic-control device, in any of the following places:

      (a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, on a sidewalk;

      (b) In front of a public or private driveway;

      (c) Within an intersection;

      (d) Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant in a place where parallel parking is permitted, or within 20 feet of a fire hydrant if angle parking is permitted and a local ordinance requires the greater distance;

      (e) On a crosswalk;

      (f) Within 20 feet of a crosswalk;

      (g) Within 30 feet upon the approach to any official traffic-control signal located at the side of a highway;

      (h) Between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within 30 feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone;

      (i) Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad;

      (j) Within 20 feet of a driveway entrance to any fire station and, on the side of a highway opposite the entrance to any fire station, within 75 feet of that entrance;

      (k) Alongside or opposite any highway excavation or obstruction when stopping, standing or parking would obstruct traffic;

      (l) On the highway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge of or curb of a highway;

      (m) Upon any bridge or other elevated structure or within a highway tunnel;

      (n) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, within 5 feet of a public or private driveway; and

      (o) At any place where official traffic-control devices prohibit stopping, standing or parking.

In this article our Las Vegas traffic ticket attorneys discuss:

If you have been injured by a vehicle that illegally stopped, contact our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys to learn about whether you may be entitled to money damages.

Illegal stopping, standing or parking is typically punished by a civil penalty in Nevada.

1. What is illegal stopping, standing, or parking in Las Vegas, Nevada?

Nevada law prohibits stopping, standing or parking a vehicle in any of the following places:

on a sidewalk;
in front of a public or private driveway;
within an intersection;
within 15 feet of a fire hydrant in a place where parallel parking is permitted, or within 20 feet of a fire hydrant if angle parking is permitted and a local ordinance requires the greater distance;
on a crosswalk;
within 20 feet of a crosswalk;
within 30 feet upon the approach to any official traffic-control signal located at the side of a highway;
between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within 30 feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone;
within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad;
within 20 feet of a driveway entrance to any fire station and, on the side of a highway opposite the entrance to any fire station, within 75 feet of that entrance;
alongside or opposite any highway excavation or obstruction when stopping, standing or parking would obstruct traffic;
on the highway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge of or curb of a highway;
upon any bridge or other elevated structure or within a highway tunnel;
within 5 feet of a public or private driveway; and
at any place where official traffic-control devices prohibit stopping, standing or parking

There are some exceptions. Violating NRS 484B.450 is allowed when 1) it is necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or 2) in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or official traffic-control device.

NRS 484B.450 also does not apply to people operating a United States Postal Service vehicle if it is being operated for the official business of the USPS.¹

2. How do I fight charges for illegal stopping or parking in Las Vegas, Nevada?

Common defenses to NRS 484B.450 violations include:

Necessity or emergency: Drivers who stop or park a car in an illegal place commit no offense if it was logistically necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or avoid injury.
No signage: Depending on the location, it may be possible to get a parking ticket dropped if the “no parking” signage was missing.

A criminal defense attorney would try to obtain any available surveillance video, photographs and eyewitness testimony to demonstrate that the driver acted reasonably.

3. What are the penalties for illegal stopping or parking in Las Vegas, Nevada?

The sentence varies depending on the city or county where the incident allegedly happened. The penalty is usually just a modest civil penalty.

In the City of Las Vegas, the civil penalty depends on where the infraction allegedly took place:²

Las Vegas Municipal Code Parking Violation	Civil penalty
Within 15′ of an Intersection 11.52.130(A-11)	$50 $70 after 30 days of nonpayment ($20 increase) $90 after 45 days of nonpayment ($20 increase)
Within 20′ of a Marked Crosswalk 11.52.130(A-12)	$50 $70 after 30 days of nonpayment ($20 increase) $90 after 45 days of nonpayment ($20 increase)
Within 30′ of a Stop/Yield Sign or Signal 11.52.130(A-13)	$50 $70 after 30 days of nonpayment ($20 increase) $90 after 45 days of nonpayment ($20 increase)
Bridge, structure, tunnel or underpass 11.52.130(A-16)	$20 $30 after 30 days of nonpayment ($10 increase) $40 after 45 days of nonpayment ($10 increase)
Too Close to Fire Hydrant 11.52.130(A-4)	$100 $135 after 30 days of nonpayment ($35 increase) $170 after 45 days of nonpayment ($35 increase)
Blocking Sidewalk Area 11.52.130(A-6)	$50 $70 after 30 days of nonpayment ($20 increase) $90 after 45 days of nonpayment ($20 increase)
Blocking or Too Close to Driveway 11.52.130(A-7)	$20 $30 after 30 days of nonpayment ($10 increase) $40 after 45 days of nonpayment ($10 increase)
Within 50′ of a railroad track 11.52.130(A-8)	$20 $30 after 30 days of nonpayment ($10 increase) $40 after 45 days of nonpayment ($10 increase)
Too close to Fire Station Entrance 11.52.130(A-9)	$35 $50 after 30 days of nonpayment ($15 increase) $65 after 45 days of nonpayment ($15 increase)

Las Vegas Municipal Code Parking Violation

Civil penalty

Within 15′ of an Intersection

11.52.130(A-11)

$50

$70 after 30 days of nonpayment ($20 increase)

$90 after 45 days of nonpayment ($20 increase)

Within 20′ of a Marked Crosswalk

11.52.130(A-12)

$50

$70 after 30 days of nonpayment ($20 increase)

$90 after 45 days of nonpayment ($20 increase)

Within 30′ of a Stop/Yield Sign or Signal

11.52.130(A-13)

$50

$70 after 30 days of nonpayment ($20 increase)

$90 after 45 days of nonpayment ($20 increase)

Bridge, structure, tunnel or underpass

11.52.130(A-16)

$20

$30 after 30 days of nonpayment ($10 increase)

$40 after 45 days of nonpayment ($10 increase)

Too Close to Fire Hydrant

11.52.130(A-4)

$100

$135 after 30 days of nonpayment ($35 increase)

$170 after 45 days of nonpayment ($35 increase)

Blocking Sidewalk Area

11.52.130(A-6)

$50

$70 after 30 days of nonpayment ($20 increase)

$90 after 45 days of nonpayment ($20 increase)

Blocking or Too Close to Driveway

11.52.130(A-7)

$20

$30 after 30 days of nonpayment ($10 increase)

$40 after 45 days of nonpayment ($10 increase)

Within 50′ of a railroad track

11.52.130(A-8)

$20

$30 after 30 days of nonpayment ($10 increase)

$40 after 45 days of nonpayment ($10 increase)

Too close to Fire Station Entrance

11.52.130(A-9)

$35

$50 after 30 days of nonpayment ($15 increase)

$65 after 45 days of nonpayment ($15 increase)

3.1 Misdemeanor penalties

In Las Vegas, parking in the following locations is a misdemeanor, which is more serious than an infraction. The penalty is a fine of up to $50 and/or 30 days in jail.³

CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE. The entire route from United States Highway 91 to Paradise Road on Convention Center Drive, in the unincorporated town of Winchester, is designated to be a “no parking” area and no vehicle shall be parked at any hour of the day or night along that route, except for emergency purposes.⁴

There is no parking along the red line.

TROPICANA AVENUE. The entire route from Rainbow Boulevard to Durango Drive on Tropicana Avenue, in the unincorporated towns of Spring Valley and Enterprise, is designated to be a “no parking” area and no vehicle shall be parked at any hour of the day or night.⁵

There is no parking along the red line.

TROPICANA AVENUE. The entire route between United States Highway 91 and Paradise Road on Tropicana Avenue, in the unincorporated town of Paradise, is designated to be a “no parking” area and no vehicle shall be parked at any hour of the day or night along that route.
PARADISE ROAD. The entire route from Patrick Lane to Sahara Avenue on Paradise Road, in the unincorporated towns of Winchester and Paradise, is hereby designated to be a “no parking” area and no vehicle shall be parked at any hour of the day or night along that route.
WINNICK AVENUE. The entire route from Koval Lane to its western terminus west of Audrie Street and Ida Avenue on Winnick Avenue, in the unincorporated town of Paradise, is designated to be a “no parking” area and no vehicle shall be parked at any hour of the day or night along that route.
VEGAS PLAZA DRIVE. The entire route from Spring Mountain Road to Pershing Avenue, in the unincorporated town of Paradise is designated to be a “no parking” area and no vehicle shall be parked at any hour of the day or night.
BLACK CANYON AVENUE. The entire route along its northerly side only from Vegas Plaza Drive to its westerly terminus is designated to be a “no parking” area and no vehicle shall be parked at any hour of the day or night.⁶

There is no parking along the red lines.

4. Can I get the charge dismissed?

Possibly. It depends on the facts of the case and the available evidence. If a defense attorney can show proof in the defendant’s favor, the city may be willing to drop the ticket.

5. How many points will go on my Nevada driver’s license?

Illegal stopping or standing carries no demerit points. Though if the driver impeded forward traffic, the cop might cite the driver under the separate crime of NRS 484B.627. This carries two (2) demerit points.

Demerit points remain on driver’s licenses for only one (1) year. But if a driver accrues twelve (12) or more demerit points, then the Nevada DMV will suspend the license for six (6) months.⁷

People facing license suspensions are encouraged to retain criminal defense counsel to contest the suspension at a DMV hearing, which is similar to a small-scale trial. Driving with a suspended license is a misdemeanor in Nevada that carries up to six (6) months in jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines.⁸

6. Will my auto insurance rates go up?

Most parking tickets typically do not cause increased auto insurance rates. Usually the only traffic offenses that lead to a premium increase are moving violations. But it is best to consult with an attorney about insurance consequences.

7. Do I have to do traffic school?

Traffic school is usually not required for an illegal stopping or parking charge. Traffic school typically comes into play only when the defendant was accused of a moving violation, such as speeding.

8. What will happen if I ignore my ticket?

Parking fines in Nevada tend to increase if they go unpaid. (Scroll up to question 3 for late fines in the City of Las Vegas.) And sometimes, the Nevada DMV will suspend the car’s registration until the fine gets paid.

In the City of Las Vegas, the DMV will suspend a car’s registration 90 days after nonpayment of the parking fine. The DMV will also add an extra $15 fee.⁹

It is always a good idea either to pay the ticket or to fight the case rather than simply ignore it.

9. What will happen to my Nevada commercial driver’s license?

Commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and non-commercial ones are treated the same way. So a straight parking ticket should not affect a CDL.

10. What will happen to my out-of-state license?

Contact an attorney in that state to discuss the DMV penalties for parking violations, if any. Every state is different and has its own laws.

11. When can I seal my case in Nevada?

Parking tickets typically do not go on the person’s criminal record. But the few that do…such as illegal parking under Clark County Code 14.40.130…may be sealed one (1) year after the case closes. And there is no waiting period if the case gets dismissed.¹⁰

12. Should I fight my ticket or just pay?

Discuss the pros and cons with a criminal defense attorney. Some cases are worth fighting for. And sometimes it is best just to throw money at the problem and be done with the case.

13. Can I go to trial?

Usually the criminal trial process is not available for parking tickets. But it may be possible to request an administrative hearing. The City of Las Vegas, for instance, has a formal appeals process for people to contest their parking tickets.¹¹

Note that people charged with misdemeanors under Clark County Code 14.40.130 are eligible for a bench trial. The only difference between that and a jury trial is that the judge decides the verdict.¹²

14. Do I need an attorney?

It is never a bad idea to hire experienced legal counsel. Defendants with attorneys usually get better outcomes.

15. Other parking offenses in Nevada

Parking in a handicap spot
Illegal stopping (on highway)
Parking more than 18 inches from the curb

Traffic ticket? Call a Nevada criminal defense attorney…

Were you ticketed for illegal stopping or parking in Clark County or elsewhere on Nevada’s highways? Our Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys can be reached for a FREE consultation right now.

Were you or a loved one harmed when a driver unlawfully stopped in Nevada? Our Las Vegas car accident attorneys want to discuss the possibility of fighting for a settlement to cover all your expenses, even pain and suffering. You do not pay us a dime unless we win.

See our related article on the Nevada traffic offense of illegal stopping or parking on highways.

Legal References:

NRS 484B.450.
Id.; see, e.g. Las Vegas Muni Code 11.10 – Parking or Nonmoving Violations.
Clark County Code 14.40.130 – No Parking Areas.
Id.
Id.
id.
NAC 483.500; NAC 483.510(5)(c).
NRS 483.560.
City of Las Vegas Parking FAQ and Fee Schedule.
NRS 179.245; NRS 179.255.
City of Las Vegas Parking FAQ and Fee Schedule.
Sixth Amendment.

Las Vegas Defense Group excels in helping individuals fight traffic tickets with professionalism and expertise. Their team of experienced attorneys provides personalized attention and effective strategies to achieve favorable outcomes. Clients appreciate their thorough understanding of traffic laws and their commitment to protecting clients' driving records and rights. The process is streamlined and stress-free, with clear communication and support at every step.

Matt C.

From the first call this office has been nothing but welcoming and supportive. Yuritza has gone above and beyond with all of my needs and getting everything ready for my amazing, funny and Smart Case manager Christopher Joya. The office is beautiful 😍 organized and can I say squeaky clean. Oh they offer you snacks too while waiting. Can we talk about hospitality. I 100% recommend this Amazing group.

Jaquelin A.

What life savers!! Walking into Las Vegas Defense Group saved me. Carole was fantastic and willingly assisted me by putting me at ease and quickly setting me up with a case manager. I must admit, the office was great (and the coffee and snacks helped a lot too). I definitely would recommend their services to anyone with traffic violations, DUI’s, or more serious criminal offenses.

Michel D.