City plans crackdown on scofflaws

SANDPOINT -- Those with unpaid parking tickets in their glove compartments should reconsider paying them. City officials will propose a new vehicle immobilization and impoundment section that deals with such scofflaws. Scheduled for presentation to the City Council on July 6 along with the mayor's parking revision plan, the new section sets specific guidelines for securing payment of delinquent fines.

Any vehicle with six or more unpaid tickets that remain unpaid at least 45 days beyond their issuance dates are subject to city action. Enforcement officers will install a boot on such a vehicle, rendering it immobile until the owner pays the past due parking fines.

"Currently, 44 vehicles meet this criteria with a total of 949 outstanding fines and late fees owing approximately $56,000," according to city officials. 

However, upon council approval of the code revision, residents will have the chance to make good before officers begin giving derelict vehicles the boot.

"The city will be offering an amnesty program to the registered owners for 60 days in advance of beginning impoundments. During this amnesty period, late fees will be waived and owners will have the opportunity to pay off their outstanding tickets at the issue amount only," officials said.

Information: jstapleton@sandpointidaho.gov, 208-265-1483.