Despite extension, long lines for traffic amnesty

By Jeff O'Brien

Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 | 4:02 p.m.

The Regional Justice Center downtown has been slammed again today with hundreds of people after the Las Vegas Township Justice Court announced a one-week extension to pay outstanding traffic tickets under its traffic amnesty program.

As early as 8:30 a.m. today, more than 500 people were lined up to pay tickets, and an additional $70,000 had been collected through telephone and online payments, said Michael Sommermeyer, spokesman for Clark County Courts.

The program, which started Nov. 17, allows people to pay overdue tickets without being hit with extra penalties. It was set to expire at 5 p.m. today, but yesterday officials announced it would continue until 5 p.m. Feb. 13.

The Justice Center's Traffic Division set a new record yesterday by collecting $360,000 in outstanding fines, including $200,000 through telephone and Internet payments, Sommermeyer said.

More than 2,000 people paid tickets yesterday.

After the Feb. 13 deadline, the Justice Court -- which handles tickets issued in Las Vegas and unincorporated Clark County -- will begin issuing arrest warrants for all unpaid traffic tickets. Additional fines of $300 will also be added to each ticket.

Tickets can be paid at the Traffic Division of the Regional Justice Center, located at 200 Lewis Ave., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The office will have special hours from 9 a.m. to noon tomorrow to handle ticket payments.

Payments can also be made over the phone by calling 671-3444 or online at www.clarkcountycourts.us/paythefine.

Jeff O’Brien can be reached at 990-8957 or [email protected].