Lawmakers say higher DMV fees may be warranted

Lawmakers said Friday if the Department of Motor Vehicles needs more money, Nevada should consider raising the price of a drivers' license or vehicle registration rather than cutting funding for road projects.

The comments were made after Department of Motor Vehicles Director Ginny Lewis said she wants to increase her agency's share of highway fund revenues from 22 to 29 percent.

Her budget seeks 154 additional employees to meet demands for services in Reno, Las Vegas and Carson City -- including opening the office Saturday in the capital.

Since the highway fund is divided among DMV, the Nevada Department of Transportation and the Highway Patrol, more money for DMV would mean less for NDOT and NHP.

"What will be left to fix the roads?" asked Assemblyman John Marvel, R-Battle Mountain.

Sen. Bob Coffin, D-Las Vegas, said registration fees could be raised from $33 to as much as $150 for residents just arriving in Nevada.

"Persons moving into the state ought to pay more," he said.

Marvel asked her to figure out how much would be raised by increasing the cost of a driver's license from $21 to $25.

Lewis admitted the current license is "a great deal."

Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas, suggested DMV examine all the fees it charges to determine what should be increased.

And Assemblyman David Parks, D-Las Vegas, suggested DMV find ways to catch new arrivals to the state who don't register vehicles in 30 days as required.

Lewis, however, said her agency doesn't have the people to enforce that law and that law enforcement agencies are busy with other things.

Giunchigliani, a former Las Vegas teacher, said half the cars in school parking lots have out-of-state plates and suggested that governmental agencies make sure new employees register vehicles in Nevada and get a driver's license.