Use two license plates if you can

Here's the million-dollar question: Would bad drivers become better drivers if they were required to take a class before each license renewal? Or is it that bad drivers simply don't care about the laws; they just want to get from Point A to Point B as fast as possible?

Here's a reader's related question: I recently spent a few hours in class and found it most enlightening. It makes me wonder why the DMV doesn't make use of the program as a prerequisite to license renewals. Will it ever be considered?

Although this has been discussed nationally over the years, our state lawmakers haven't given it serious consideration. There just doesn't seem to be a great appetite for it, according to DMV spokesman Tom Jacobs.

There is one safeguard in place, however. DMV technicians can require drivers renewing their licenses to take a written or driving test if they have safety concerns, such as a motorist seeking a new license appears disoriented. Technicians are not permitted to base their judgment on a driver's age.

Ray wonders about Nevada's "goofy" license plates laws: When you register your car, you get two plates. One is for the front; one is for the back. If your car has no place to attach such front plate, oh, well, just toss it in the recycle bin. Why not just do away with the front plate altogether?

The law does seem a bit goofy, Ray. A few years ago, as vehicle manufacturers began putting vehicles on the road without a spot for a front plate, Nevada legislators amended the law. Basically, it says if there is a place to attach a plate on the front of your vehicle, you are obligated by law to have one. If not, it is not required.

Jacobs said the notion to simply drop the front plate was never considered by lawmakers, and he has no idea why.

"They just didn't do it," Jacobs said.

But, Ray, don't toss that second plate in the trash. The DMV will require you to return both plates if you move out of state or order vanity plates: IH8PL8S?

From several readers: When will the ramp from southbound U.S. Highway 95 to westbound Summerlin Parkway open?

Perhaps because the ramp was closed so long, motorists became accustomed to their alternate route and didn't bother with this connection anymore. But this ramp reopened exactly one week ago.

Ron says: Every day I observe panhandlers walking between cars that are stopped at red signals.

This activity is unsafe for the panhandlers as well as drivers who are distracted by them. There must be a vehicle code that prohibits pedestrians from walking in the road outside a crosswalk. I never see any law enforcement ticketing these persons. Could you find out why this dangerous activity is allowed to happen?

Panhandling in traffic lanes is illegal, and the panhandlers could be cited for a variety of violations including soliciting on a roadway, interfering with traffic or walking in a roadway where a sidewalk is provided.

But here's the deal, Ron. Las Vegas police essentially give these people a break, unless they ignore repeated warnings or officers receive a complaint.

The bottom line, according to Las Vegas police spokesman Jacinto Rivera, is that these people are already down on their luck and fining them would only make things worse, not to mention that it is unlikely the citations would ever be paid. If the fine weren't paid, then an arrest warrant would be issued and they would be taken to jail, where taxpayers would have to pay for housing, food and medical treatment. After all that, chances are a judge would toss the case, anyway.

If you have a question, tip or tirade, call the Road Warrior at 387-2904, or e-mail her at roadwarrior@ reviewjournal.com or apacker@reviewjournal.com. Please include your phone number.