Out-of-state plates out of date are out of luck

The Nevada Highway Patrol announced earlier this week that it is launching a campaign in April to nail drivers who have failed to register their vehicles in Nevada within the required 30 days of living here. Motorists who have lived in the state longer than 30 days but keep their prior state’s plates on their vehicle face a misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $1,000. The announcement has raised a couple of questions that we will lead off with today.

How will the trooper know whether I’ve lived in Nevada for 30 days or not?

Trooper Loy Hixson has heard the excuse 100 times: "I just moved here." His response? "What is your definition of ‘just’?" The trooper will ask the motorists casual questions about their destination; those typically lead to the length of time a person has lived in the state. If the driver has a Nevada driver’s license, there is no excuse for not having Nevada plates. The trooper will check insurance records and employment documents to determine whether the motorist is being truthful.

What if I’m a snow bird?

Snow birds are exempt from the law with military personnel and out-of-state students.

Why the campaign?

This falls on the heels of former Las Vegas Constable Bobby Gronauer’s Fair Share program, which allows residents in the city of Las Vegas to report scofflaws by calling 455-3247 (FAIR). Hixson said the school system already is suffering from the bad economy, and a chunk of registration fees goes toward state school districts. It is only fair, he said, that if you live in Nevada you pay registration fees to Nevada.

The Northwest valley has been so hammered with road construction it’s a challenge to turn the corner without encountering a detour. Not only arterials are dotted with cones, now it’s the cherished Interstate 215. Many readers have recently asked this question: When will the work on Lone Mountain Road be completed?

According to the city of Las Vegas, the sewer project was taken over by Perini Construction and Las Vegas Paving after Spirit Underground went bankrupt, leaving gaping holes in the road. The city is back on track with this project and will finish a month ahead of schedule, city spokeswoman Diana Paul said.

By May 1, the work is expected to be concentrated between Torrey Pines and Rancho drives. The entire project should be finished by July 6.

Speaking of cones, this is from Mr. Sharp: I am constantly amazed at the number of orange cones in evidence throughout the county and the length of time they remain at locations where there is no apparent need for them. Is this explainable? Are they owned by the county or rented daily or monthly and owned by whom?

The construction cones are provided by private companies and are paid for by the general contractor of the project. When crews start a project, they tell the cone company how long it will last. It’s not rare to see cones in areas where there is no construction, and sometimes they are blocking lanes that look perfectly drivable. The reason for that, according to public works officials, is that sometimes the contractor finishes the work early, but the cone company doesn’t collect the barriers until the scheduled pickup date.

Darla saw the light: When I pulled up to an intersection and turned into the left-turn lane, the traffic signal was flashing a yellow arrow. I have never seen that before. What does it mean?

This is not only a valid question, but a timely one as well — especially if you live in Henderson. These new signals started popping up throughout the valley after Federal Highway Administration studies showed they were safer than the traditional round solid green ball. Henderson spokeswoman Kathleen Richards said crews will install these new signals throughout the city between April 2 and June 10. Here’s a quick tutorial: The flashing yellow arrow replaces the solid green ball, meaning drivers can turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. When the arrow turns to a steady yellow, it means the signal is about to turn red. The steady green arrow means the driver turning left has the right of way and the steady red arrow means the driver cannot enter the intersection.

Virgel asks: Can you tell me when the city plans to reopen Elkhorn Road at Jones Boulevard? It seems like it’s been closed forever.

Good news here. Elkhorn is scheduled to reopen on May 9.

Don is tired of Oakey: Can you please explain what is happening on Oakey Boulevard between Valley View and Rancho Drive? They tore up the road — again — and parked huge pieces of equipment in the median allowing only one lane in each direction. Then they went away, leaving Cashman Drive completely closed off. What is going on here?

The city is in the middle of improving the storm drains along Oakey. Details are a little thin, Don, but what city officials say is that there were some problems uncovered during construction. The problems have finally been resolved, and construction has resumed. The project should be wrapped up by summer.

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