LVTP has received reports that some local law enforcement officials have been inquiring as to whether LVTP has obtained "Temporary Occupancy" permits to demonstrate in certain State Rights of Way.  The I-15 overpass at Tropicana is the location most frequented by LVTP demonstrators, and is a State owned highway.  It being an overpass of I-15 makes it a federal issue as well.

For our law enforcement officials who might not be aware, local and federal laws relating to demonstrating, picketing, gathering, sign waving, or any other label that might be attached to the activities of LVTP are listed here for your convenience.

Members of LVTP are most respectful of all laws, and law enforcement officers.  That is, indeed, what drove the Tea Party into existence...adherance to the US Constitution, and laws.  All of our members strive to uphold all pertinent laws while expressing our opinions, and we deeply appreciate the protection our law enforcement officers bring to us during our activities.

While striving to act withing the bounds of the laws, we also insist on exercising our rights, the same rights that are afforded to other groups who also use public spaces to voice their views.  On May 5, 2013, over 2000 people marched north up Las Vegas Boulevard from I 215 to the famous "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign, walking across the Boulevard to meet at the sign in the middle of Las Vegas Boulevard. There were water stations and speaking areas set up at the sign location, and the #3 lane of Las Vegas Boulevard south bound was closed by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department - all without ANY permits of any kind. On several occasions, but most specifically on May 1, 2013, Las Vegas Boulevard was again closed down, in the north bound lanes, by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, to accommodate an estimated 500 pro amnesty marchers. Again, without a permit of any kind. Lastly, it has become common to see "labor protests" on sidewalks all over Las Vegas, on State highways as well as City streets, often with large banners on poles, and people seated with umbrellas, for days or weeks, even months, all without a permit.

LVTP conducts relatively small demonstrations, and is always mindful of the laws and public convenience. That our group might be unfairly discriminated against and targeted for scrutiny only fuels our drive for justice. We ask only for our rights, and we are well versed on what those rights are.

Karen Steelmon
LVTP


Rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America -
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/bill_of_rights_transcript.html
US Constitution
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

http://constitution.findlaw.com/amendment1/annotation20.html#1
First Amendment Annotation
Thus, by the nature of the use to which the property is put or by tradition, some sites are simply not as open for expression as streets and parks are. 90 But if government does open non-traditional forums for expressive activities, it may not discriminate on the basis of content or viewpoint in according access. - See more at: http://constitution.findlaw.com/amendment1/annotation20.html#1


State requirements for occupancy of Right of Way -
http://www.nevadadot.com/Doing_Business/Permits/Temporary_Occupancy_Permits.asp

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) grants permits for temporary use of State roadway. These temporary occupancy permits must be secured before using State roadway or adjoining State right-of-way for all organized activities and events, including:

• Hazardous Clean-up
• Parades
• Vehicle rallies/races
• Special Events
• Photography/filming
• Temporary construction access/traffic control
• All other special, temporary uses

Nevada Revised Statues defining and regulating "temporary" and "events" -
NRS 484A.800  Sponsor of special event to provide for control of vehicular traffic.
      1.  Any person or governmental agency sponsoring a special event shall ensure that adequate provision is made for the control of vehicular traffic related to or affected by the event.
      2.  As used in this section, “special event” means any scheduled activity or event:
      (a) That is attended or observed by more than 500 persons; or
      (b) That substantially increases or disrupts the normal flow of traffic on any street or highway.
      (Added to NRS by 1989, 667)—(Substituted in revision for NRS 484.900)

Local, State, and Federal laws regulating the use of signs on Federal, State, and local streets and highways -
NRS 410.220 Declaration of legislative intent.
NRS 410.230 Definitions
NRS 410.250 “Information centers”
NRS 410.270 “Outdoor advertising,”
NRS 410.320 Outdoor advertising adjacent to highway prohibited;
NRS 405.030 Unlawful placement of certain outdoor advertisements

NAC CHAPTER 410 - BEAUTIFICATION OF HIGHWAYS, OUTDOOR ADVERTISING
NAC 410.220  Off-premise advertising signs
NAC 410.200  On-premise advertising signs. (NRS 410.400)

City of Las Vegas Municipal Code
17.12.010 Permit required

Clark County Code of Ordinances
Non-commercial speech is permitted in conjunction with any type of sign allowed under Title 30
30.72.010 Purpose
30.72.040 Requirements of General Applicability


The above information is abbreviated.  For a more comprehensive look at these codes, click here.

Las Vegas Tea Party is now combing banner/sign waving events with the local Overpasses.org chapter. Overpasses.org is an organization dedicated to encouraging public involvement in the removal of Barrack Hussein Obama from the office of the Presidency of the United States of America. They do this by using our Constitutional right to peaceably assemble, and take to the streets and overpasses to display signs bearing this message.

All events will be announced on this website,
the Las Vegas Tea Party Face book page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/139839716224322/#!/pages/Las-Vegas-Tea-Party/151093974970457) ,
the Overpasses Las Vegas Facebook page
(https://www.facebook.com/groups
/139839716224322/),
and the Las Vegas Tea Party mailing list (to join the mailing list http://lasvegasteaparty.org/contact-us.php) .

To find out more about Overpasses.org, find a chapter, or volunteer, please visit their website at:

http://overpasses.org