Red tag laws are meant to protect the Tucson community, but they are being used to target UA and Pima Community College students. The city ordinance imposes enormous fines on students and even greater fines on the student if they try to fight an unjust red tag in court. 

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The only requirements to receive a red tag are five plus people on the property and a noise complaint. However, the “unruly” noise level is up to the TPD’s discretion and seems to be exempt from due process. The law is intentionally left vague so more red tags can be issued.

In addition, students splitting rent by having roommates may have close to five people living in one house and can receive a red tag by having a friend over; houses with five or more occupants can receive a red tag at any time. Many students, some who are already saving money by having these roommates, cannot afford to contest the red tag and have no choice but to accept the $500 fine.

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The city of Tucson needs to implement regulations, such as creating a minimum noise level or raising the five plus person limit, that restrict the issuance of red tags only to situations that deserve them. This is not only a problem for students; if you have more than five people in your house and have “unruly” noise you may be subject to a red tag. Make a difference against this law and fight to make the law less vague by signing the petition against red tags.

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