As beachgoers hit Tahoe, NHP warns it will ticket and tow those who breach parking lines
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Tue, 06/22/2021 - 8:13am
With summer arriving, the onslaught of motorists diverging to Lake Tahoe beaches brings an abundance of parking issues along State Route 28 and Highway 50.
The Nevada Highway Patrol will remain vigilant this summer in ticketing those motorists who breach the white fog line and park their vehicles in the roadway as well as those who choose to park in "no parking" zones.
Tickets are $300 for anyone parking outside the line or in "no parking" zones. When you consider the additional costs, such as getting the vehicle out of tow, and an Uber ride to get to the tow yard, the cost doubles.
"The big issue is the danger motorists create by impeding traffic and the roadway," said NHP Trooper Hannah DeGoey. "They are putting pedestrians at risk, motorists at risk and are creating problems for emergency vehicle access."
Last year was among the worst ever for illegal parking, said DeGoey. Motorists eager to get outside during the pandemic were traveling to Tahoe, many making compromises with parking their vehicle on the side of the road and not clearing the fog line or simply parking in no parking zones. Hundreds of tickets were issued.
"People are making the decision, 'do I risk getting a ticket or do spend a day at the beach,'" said DeGoey. "What they're not considering are the safety hazards they're creating."
Such as someone who may need to be taken to the hospital via Care Flight or by ground ambulance. Or if there is a fire that firefighters need to reach.
"When you're parked illegally, you are potentially preventing someone from getting the critical help they need," said DeGoey.
Like last summer, motorists who breach the line are being ticketed and towed. NHP has again stepped up traffic patrol along State Route 28, especially between Spooner Junction, Sand Harbor and Incline Village and along Highway 50, around Zephyr Cove and Nevada Beach.
"Spots are absolutely limited. We advise motorists to get their early, park appropriately and legally and if there is no place to park, don't park in a no parking area. Also, make sure that when you park, both tires are behind the white line," she said.
Also worth noting are the responsibilities of pedestrians once they've gotten out of their vehicles. Pedestrians need to be cognizant of where they are walking. Are they walking in traffic? If so, they are endangering themselves and others, said DeGoey.
Another issue that cropped up last year was that a number of pedestrians have been seen tossing trash along the side of the road. Some have been seen flicking cigarettes to the ground, creating a fire risk.
"Those lit cigarettes are an issue because of the fire danger," she said. "It really all comes down to common sense. Don't litter."
