OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The city of Omaha will begin using a new device called a ‘barnacle’ to immobilize vehicles with unpaid parking tickets.
The Omaha World-Herald reports that the city will begin Monday using the device, which is a panel that attaches to a vehicle’s windshield, blocking a driver’s view. The barnacles will be attached to vehicles with three or more past-due parking tickets or with more than $108 in parking fines.
Motorists can release the device themselves with a code they’ll get by calling a number on the barnacle to pay the fines. Motorists must then take the barnacle to a drop-off location within 24 hours.
Also starting Monday will be new parking violation fees. Most parking violations bring a $16 fine. But blocking a fire hydrant will cost $32 and driving with expired license plates will cost $100.
