Signs can be a private matter

Several states are considering new laws regarding texting while driving. Some states already have banned it altogether. Others prohibit drivers under the age of 18 from sending text messages while operating a vehicle. This week, I want to start by asking you a question: What type of laws, if any, would you like to see related to texting and driving in Nevada?

Alrighty, this column isn't about me and my inquiries, it's about yours. So let's get back to it.

Jim questions whether it is illegal for residents to put up traffic control signs:

I recently noticed someone from the neighborhood next to mine (Wolf Creek) put up six signs, stating the following, "Private neighborhood -- no thru traffic," "Wolf Creek residents only," and "Please find alternate route."

This is not a gated community. The signs are on Canyon Ranch and Chestnut Road.

• Drive out to that neighborhood to which Jim is referring and you will ask yourself: Alternate route to where, Apex? Thru traffic to where? Who else would be here except Wolf Creek residents?

This neighborhood is at the very end of Jones Boulevard past the Las Vegas Beltway and about 15 miles northwest of downtown. It is surrounded by, um, jack rabbits. OK, that's an exaggeration, but there is not much out there, which makes one wonder why the neighborhood would have trouble with cars passing through. Here's the skinny on the signs, Jim:

Unlike public streets, signs may be placed on private streets without the approval of the city's traffic engineer, according to city of Las Vegas spokeswoman Debby Ackerman. In March, Canyon Ranch and Chestnut became private streets and therefore under control of the homeowners association. The HOA may erect signage as long as it permissible under state law, which generally says it cannot interfere with traffic or cause confusion on public streets. The city recommends that private groups seek the opinion of a traffic engineer prior to installing signage.

Rob is irritated with the roadblocks on Silverado Ranch: The paving on Silverado Ranch Boulevard was completed about six weeks ago, but barricades were placed across the roadway just south of the Armory and just east of Decatur Boulevard. Can you please find out what is holding up this traffic signal installation?

• Well, Rob, the best we could get from the county is that crews soon will begin working on the signal at the Decatur and Silverado Ranch intersection. The parts for the signal just arrived last week, and they are expected to take about three to four weeks to install.

The county barricaded Silverado after it was paved because public works officials did not believe motorists would be safe without the signal. Once the signal is in place, the barricades will be removed, and the road open to through traffic.

Ronnie's question is about a ride he doesn't really enjoy: Right after the Spaghetti Bowl, the southbound 95 becomes like a small roller coaster with the lanes undulating up and down. This makes it harder to maintain the curve at that point. Was this done for a reason or did someone make a mistake?

• There were no mistakes with the construction of this stretch, Ronnie. Nevada Department of Transportation's Mario Gomez said the structure is perfectly sound.

When that was built, cambers were installed in the roadway to keep the concrete from sagging and becoming susceptible to puddles. Over time, as the road was repaved, the asphalt formed humps where the supportive cambers were installed. This problem can be fixed, and soon will be fixed, by shaving down the uneven portions of the road.

Robert is fuming about increased registration fees when so many motorists keep their home-state plates on their vehicles and pay registration elsewhere: Why aren't these laws enforced more vigorously? Someone paying their registration to Indiana is a joke.

• By law, new residents must obtain a new driver's license within 30 days, and they must register their vehicles at the same time. But the problem, according to Department of Motor Vehicles spokesman Kevin Malone, is that it is difficult to enforce the out-of-state license plate law.

"You can't tell driving down the street who is a resident and who is not," Malone said. "You may see them parked in a spot for a long time. That puts a police officer in a jam; they have no basis to go up and question that person."

Adding to the confusion is that some visitors and residents are exempt from the law.

Military personnel, snowbirds (seasonal residents) and out-of-state students who do not seek employment do not have to change their plates. Neither do relatives in town to care for a loved one, even if they are here for a long time.

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.