Lawmakers reject hot line to report license scofflaws

CARSON CITY -- The state won't be setting up a hot line that would let people turn in their neighbors or anyone else who doesn't put Nevada licenses plates on their cars after moving to the state, at least for now.

Despite testimony that the state could secure $5 million a year if newcomers paid registration fees and put on Nevada plates, some legislators expressed concern that people would use the hot line to induce police to confront neighbors and others without evidence they were breaking the law.

Nevada law requires newcomers to switch their license plates within 60 days of moving to the state, or after acquiring a Nevada driver's license. Fines from $250 to $500 are assessed on those who break the law.

During a meeting of the Legislature's Subcommittee Studying Transportation needs, Assemblyman Pete Goicoechea, R-Eureka, said he could envision police being forced to chase cars occupied by tourists.

Even a plan to set up a Web site on which citizens could report license plate scofflaws failed to get a majority of the subcommittee vote.

Members spent the afternoon voting on proposals that could be introduced at the Legislature in February.

Senate Transportation Chairman Dennis Nolan, R-Las Vegas, had proposed that the subcommittee draw up a bill to create the license plate hot line.

Subcommittee members spent much of their time on Thursday in a discussion about how to induce newcomers to put Nevada plates on their vehicles and pay state registration fees.

Department of Motor Vehicles officials said newcomers are told about the vehicle plate requirement when they get Nevada drivers' licenses.

Nevada Highway Patrol Chief Chris Perry said his officers cite license plate scofflaws, but enforcement is on a "catch-as-catch-can" basis.

Nolan contended the state has been negligent for 20 years by not enforcing the license plate law.

"We have lost a considerable amount of money," he said.

With the state facing a $5 billion shortfall in highway funding, Nolan said legislators cannot leave "any rocks uncovered" in looking for ways to generate revenue.

After the vote, Nolan predicted the matter will be brought up again when the Legislature convenes.

Nolan, who chairs the subcommittee, also decided against taking a vote on a proposal to allow toll roads.

Based on the failure of other proposals, Nolan said the toll road plan would not fare any better.

Toll roads have been touted by Nevada Department of Transportation Director Susan Martinovich as a way Nevada can build needed roads in a time when there is not enough money to cover highway construction needs.

Toll roads would not be constructed unless alternative routes also were available for motorists.

No action was taken on another proposal that would increase the state's 18.5 cents per gallon gas tax.

A legislative staff member said the gas tax, last increased in 1992, would increase 5.5 cents per gallon if the proposal won approval of the Legislature next year.

Gov. Jim Gibbons has threatened to veto any bills increasing taxes.