Newcomers procrastinate over vehicle tags

In light of the state's recent budget shortfall, many readers are questioning why the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles doesn't go after noncomplying newcomers who don't abide by the law that requires out-of-state vehicles to be registered in Nevada within a 60-day period.

Here's the latest from Ginger, who doesn't understand the problem: Why don't people change their tags when they move here? Are the tags in California that much cheaper?

It's not necessarily that registration fees differ that much. It's that residents who move to Nevada wait until their registration is due rather than paying fees twice in the same year. Some states used to offer refunds to motorists who moved after paying their registration, but that policy is now history. Nevada offers depreciating credit to newbies who register their vehicles before the tags from their former state expire.

Believe it or not, Ginger, the most common scofflaws are not from California, but Oregon, where motorists pay a minimal registration fee that is good for four years.

Keith is in no mood for games: I live near Maryland Parkway and St. Rose and it is just a nightmare over there. Having lived there four years now, the population is growing and traffic is greater. Trying to make a left turn onto St. Rose is basically like playing Frogger. Are there any plans to put a stoplight at that intersection?

This intersection is controlled jointly by Clark County, the Nevada Department of Transportation and the city of Henderson, so plenty of hands are in the pot. Henderson did an analysis of that intersection and determined that a light is warranted and the transportation department concurred. So that's the good news. The not so good news is that the installation of the light is dependent on funding and that, of course, is not yet available.

Another reader also would love to see the light, this one at Elk Horn and Decatur Boulevard: I understand the city was waiting for construction of homes across from the DMV to be completed, but Losee Road and Centennial Parkway received a temporary light. Why can't we get the same service here?

The cities of Las Vegas and North Las Vegas have taken note of this intersection and plan to eventually put a signal there. The Clark County Regional Flood Control District has a couple projects that must be completed before a signal is installed. During various phases of these projects, residents in the area will see lane restrictions and shifts. The cities plan to put in a four-way stop operation at the intersection, so that will help slow traffic and make it a bit easier to get around that area.

Bill asks: Can you tell me the rules for the times and use of the HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes on U.S. 95? I travel 95 and there are no postings as to who may use the HOV and times.

These lanes are designated for vehicles with two or more passengers (including the driver) on weekdays between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Unlike other cities, hybrid vehicles are not excluded from these laws. During the first few months, I heard from many readers that authorities did not enforce the designated lanes, but recently they have been cracking down. Violators are looking at fines that start at $300.

Pattie: If there is an accident and traffic is congested and/or stopped, can you go into the right shoulder/desert to get around? On Blue Diamond Road it's common practice for commuters to do so with care, at about 3 mph. Is this against the law?

Technically, motorists are not permitted to drive off-road, but Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Joseph Fackrell said officers will not ticket drivers working to maneuver around a blocked road in a safe manner. Officers usually are present and guide traffic. But if that is not the case, you will be fine traveling onto the shoulder, Pattie.

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.