- A spot in an apartment complex is a designated handicap spot if the spot bears a sign no less than 4 feet off the ground indicating the international handicap symbol with or without a phrase such as "Handicap Parking" adjacent to it. The sign must also warn that there is a fine of no less than $250 associated with parking in the spot. Additional signs are necessary to indicate a spot reserved exclusively for vehicles with side-loading wheelchair lifts. If there is a handicap spot in your private apartment complex's parking lot, the owner of the lot is responsible for erecting and maintaining the necessary sign indicating this, and the spot is considered a valid handicap parking spot according to Nevada law.
- If a spot in an apartment parking lot is indicated as a handicap spot, you may not park in that spot unless you are eligible to do so according to the Department of Motor Vehicles and are displaying a sign on your vehicle showing either permanent disability plates or temporary disability plates issued by the State of Nevada. Additionally, internationally issued handicap permits are valid as are special license plates for veterans with disabilities. You can be cited for allowing someone without a disability to use your plates or placards without you in the car. Handicap plates of placards will not waive the parking fees that your apartment's lot or garage may be subject to.
- To receive disability parking eligibility in Nevada, you must apply with the Department of Motor vehicles. Restrictions for plates or placards dictate that you have one of the following: difficulty walking more than 200 feet without a rest; the need of the assistance of a brace, cane, wheelchair or similar device to move from place to place; or the need for the assistance an oxygen tank. Plates or placards are also available for those who have a significant lung, cardiac, neurological, visual, arthritic or orthopedic condition.
These conditions can make you eligible for a red (temporary) or blue (two-year) placard or a permanent handicap license plate which you can use to park in the handicap parking space in your apartment. - A person who violates Nevada's handicap parking laws in an apartment building is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of no less than $250 for a first offense. A second offense is punishable by $250 and no less than eight hours of community service, while third or subsequent offenses will result in a fine of no less than $500 and no less than 25 hours of community service. Fines for this offense, even in a private parking lot affiliated with an apartment complex, can be as severe as $1,000 and 100 hours of community service for repeat offenders.