(a)    A vehicle may be immobilized by means of a mechanical boot if there are four (4) or more parking tickets issued against the vehicle that remain unpaid more than fifteen (15) days after issuance or, in the case of a contested ticket, after the vehicle has been finally adjudged to have been illegally parked.  A “mechanical boot” is a device that can be attached to the wheel of a motor vehicle to prevent it from being driven.

    (b)    Immobilization by means of a mechanical boot shall be limited as follows:

    (1)    Immobilization shall not exceed twenty-four (24) hours, except that a police officer may reduce the period because of safety or traffic considerations.

    (2)    No vehicle shall be immobilized unless the vehicle is found on a public street or public parking lot.

    (3)    No vehicle shall be immobilized within the traveled portion of any street or portion of any street or sidewalk when the immobilization would create a hazard.

    (4)    If the registered owner or operator of the vehicle fails to pay the outstanding parking tickets or fails to post a cash or surety bond for all unresolved parking tickets within twenty-four (24) hours, the city may have the vehicle towed to a place of impoundment.

    (5)    Whenever a vehicle has been immobilized by means of a mechanical boot, a notice shall be placed on the vehicle stating the time and date the immobilization device was placed on the vehicle, and briefly describing the means of securing removal of the mechanical boot within the twenty-four (24) hour period.

    (c)    The registered owner or operator of an immobilized vehicle may secure removal of the mechanical boot within the twenty-four (24) hour period either by payment of all outstanding parking tickets or by posting a cash or surety bond for all unresolved parking tickets.

(Ord. No. 19250, § 1, 10-2-06)