Drivers cross line in HOV lanes

Designated lanes recently implemented in Las Vegas seem to have caused a lot of confusion and, mind-boggling as it is, much of it is apparently on the part of law enforcement officers. A couple of weeks ago, a reader complained of being ticketed for crossing the solid white line in the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes along Highway 95.

Now this from Amy, who was pulled over after exiting the HOV lanes to exit on Summerlin Parkway: I signaled and moved into the next lane and the officer immediately threw on his lights to stop me. He asked, "What are you doing getting in and out of the HOV lanes? You can't do that." An instance like this certainly can cause further confusion among drivers in the valley, including me.

It's understandable that getting pulled over for crossing these lanes can be confusing, because it's perfectly legal. Don't just take it from me. Here is the language verbatim from the Regional Transportation Commission's Web page addressing these designated lanes: "HOV lanes are accessible throughout their entire distance. You can enter and exit an HOV lane at any point along the solid white line."

But vehicles are prohibited from crossing the double solid white lines that mark the express lanes on Interstate 15. Motorists do this all the time, but I have never witnessed or heard of anyone being pulled over for the infraction.

Speaking of designated lanes, a bunch of inquiring minds want to know: When will the express lanes on I-15 be completed?

Nevada Department of Transportation officials are "cautiously optimistic" that the lanes will be finished, complete with plastic paddles to prevent motorists from moving from the express lanes into regular traffic, by May 31. The express lanes are designed to give motorists a more expeditious trip between Sahara Avenue and the Las Vegas Beltway by not allowing traffic to merge in and out of the lanes throughout that stretch.

Judy is concerned about the future of Valley View Boulevard: I heard there are plans to widen Valley View. I live in a neighborhood near Oakey that backs up to Valley View. Is the city planning to take homes?

First off, the city does not plan to widen the road, which means homes that back up to Valley View are safe. Las Vegas officials are working with the Regional Transportation Commission to reconstruct Valley View so there are three northbound lanes and two southbound lanes. In order to accommodate heavy traffic, the new lanes will be added between Highway 95 and Desert Inn Road. No telling when this will be done, since funding sources have yet to be identified.

This drives David nuts: If you're driving north or south on Las Vegas Boulevard, you can make a legal U-turn at Tropicana. If you're driving west on Tropicana, you can make a legal U-turn at Las Vegas Boulevard. However, if you're driving east on Tropicana, it is illegal to make a U-turn at that intersection. Why can't you make a legal U-turn there?

Unfortunately, David, I couldn't get an informative answer for you on this one. Nevada Department of Transportation officials said the intersection, which they oversee, has been that way since 2001.

They are aware of the inconsistency but haven't decided whether they are going to change the law on eastbound Tropicana.

Here's the final question: Is it nice to call DMV technicians crabby pants?

Probably not. A handful called this week to say it's not easy dealing with rude customers all day long when they're just trying to be helpful.

To be honest, the majority of clerks I have dealt with were less than friendly, but they may have dealt with obnoxious customers before I arrived.

I understand that and apologize for painting all clerks with the same brush out of my SpongeBob SquarePants paint set.

If you have a question, tip or tirade, call Adrienne Packer at (702) 387-2904, or send an e-mail to roadwarrior@reviewjournal.com. Include your phone number.