Marital disagreement turns on arrow signals

I always thought "The Marriage Ref," a television show where comedians chime in on couples' squabbles and ultimately take sides, was sort of entertaining. So, when this first question popped up in my email, it gave me a chuckle. I'm no comedian, and honestly, I'm pretty awful at relationships in general, but I'm going to give Susan's question a shot so that she and her husband can have a peaceful Thanksgiving.

Here goes: My husband and I have a disagreement we would like you to settle. At the Wynn exit to Las Vegas Boulevard, there are "red arrow" signals to the left and the right. My husband says he can turn right, north on Las Vegas Boulevard, on the red arrow. I say the arrow is specific and he cannot turn right until the arrow turns green. What is correct?

Obviously most intersections allow for motorists to turn right on red -- after stopping -- and we'll get to that in a minute. When there is an arrow that is red, Susan, you cannot make the turn until the arrow turns green. So, ding ding ding, you are the winner. These arrows are usually situated on intersections where one street is busy or pedestrians are a concern, so it is fitting to have this type of signal on Las Vegas Boulevard.

Believe it or not, there has been another dispute among acquaintances over the turning on red when it is permitted. If the light is red, you still must make a complete stop before making a right-hand turn. If you roll through it, expect a ticket.

The above clarifications on red lights are courtesy of a handful of law enforcement officers.

Sandra doesn't like the HOV lanes: I've heard rumors that the Nevada Department of Transportation is planning to make one of the express lanes on Interstate 15 a high-occupancy vehicle lane. If true, that just seems ridiculous. The lanes on U.S. Highway 95 are always empty and the rest of the freeway is backed up. Do you know what is going on?

We know NDOT is building a high-occupancy vehicle flyover from U.S. 95 onto Summerlin Parkway, where it will connect to additional HOV lanes. As far as testing them out along Interstate 15, that is being discussed and considered, but there are no immediate plans to do so. Michelle Booth, spokeswoman for the agency, said even if the department opts to move forward, it would be several years before a lane is converted to HOV.

While we are on the topic, here is some more information on the HOV lanes. Unlike the double solid white lines designating the express lanes, motorists are permitted to exit and enter the HOV lanes on U.S. 95 at any point, though they are separated from regular travel lanes with a solid white line. Also, the hours the HOV lanes are in effect are Monday through Friday from 6 to 10 a.m. and from 2 to 7 p.m. Fines are steep, starting at $300.

Corey wants to know about I-15 express lanes: I don't understand why they put those plastic markers on Interstate 15 for the express lanes. People just run over them, turning them black, or they catch plastic bags or other trash. Not only are they ugly, but they cause problems if there is an accident in those lanes. California has special lanes and (doesn't) use those markers. Why do we?

Well, let's hit up the state transportation agency again. Apparently, those officials are popular this week, and one reason is they are actually around during Thanksgiving week. Booth said that the department is aware of the damage done to the candlestick delineators and are trying to keep up with maintenance more frequently than when they were up before the repaving project.

Booth acknowledged that certain states use solid lines without the candlesticks, but that will not necessarily work in Las Vegas. She said this is because many motorists who drive in Las Vegas are from different states and even different countries. Not everybody is aware that they cannot cross double solid lines, and using the candlesticks makes it clear that vehicles are not permitted to move in and out of those lanes.

Contact reporter Adrienne Packer at apacker@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2904.