Showing posts with label CCW Laws. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CCW Laws. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

New law concerning bicycle riders.

Most of us now know of the new law regarding the use of handheld devices (phones, gaming devices, etc.) while operating a motor vehicle that came into effect October 1st, 2011.  You can’t do it unless you have a hands-free capability.
There are a few other new laws that went into effect also on October 1st.  One is aimed at bicycle rider safety.  It doesn’t address the riders, but the drivers of motor vehicles around the riders.
Drivers of motor vehicles have to a give a berth to bicycle riders as they pass them, much like the law concerning stopped emergency vehicles.  Drivers MUST move to the next lane to the left that the rider is occupying or if that is not possible, wait to pass on the rider’s left, giving AT LEAST a three foot clearance as the motor vehicle passes.
Other rules already on the books are the marked bicycle lane, reserved for bicycles ONLY.  It’s not a motor vehicle lane.
And, for those aggressive drivers, you can be charged with reckless driving if you chose to intentionally cut it close to a bike rider or cause the rider to crash.
I remember when a neighbor and I chose to ride our bicycles to work and a large 4X4 truck purposely accelerated and swerved across our path to access the right turn lane.  The driver, a particularly eloquent, vocal anti-bicycle lobbyist, resorted to yelling at us as we had no right to the roadways as were not “motor vehicles”.  We asked if we could “educate” him regarding the laws regarding motor vehicle operator’s responsibilities and the laws pertaining to the rights of bicycle riders.  Okay.  The conversation wasn’t that long or that civil.  He got the point and left waving goodbye at us.
Bike riders have to adhere to the traffic laws as if they were driving a motor vehicle.  Red lights mean stop and stay stopped until the green is lit.  Riders have to use hand signals when changing lanes or turning.  Lights have to be used at night, front and back. You can be charged with DUI on a bike too. 
Nevada has the new driver’s handbook on their website (DMVNV) and it’s updated with the new laws. 
It certainly wouldn’t hurt for the rookie drivers as well as the experienced to take a look at it and keep abreast of the laws, new and old. 
Refreshers are always a good thing.
By: Dave Robbins, Publisher VegasNewsReveiw.com
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Friday, August 19, 2011

Background checks for current CCW holders continue due to "lack of action"


Last month, the Nevada Sheriffs and Chiefs Association met and decided to postpone a decision that would have authorized a letter be sent to the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, asking them to re-instate an exemption to the background check for Nevada CCW permit holders.
In 2011, Governor Sandoval signed a bill that requires a background check, even for CCW holders.
Based on statements from the attendees to last month’s meeting, they wanted time to evaluate the impact the exemption would have on their agencies.
Reasonable enough.
As of today’s article (August 16th), seven sheriffs have responded, favorably, and supported the request for the exemption moving forward.
Ten other sheriffs have yet to cast their vote on this matter.
Our own Sheriff Gillespie responded by saying he wished to wait until the September 17th Sheriffs and Chiefs Association before making his decision.
Historically, Sheriff Gillespie and his administration have never been eager to get in the forefront and make a decisive move that others could possibly follow.  Their forte seems to be to wait and bide their time until the majority makes their decision, or just ignore it.
LVMPD is the largest law enforcement organization in Nevada and should lead by example;  the smaller agencies could/should follow suit, having faith in what LVMPD does.  But LVMPD has followed other larger agency’s decisions and copied programs implemented by them, not really promoting confidence in their decision making abilities.   We have never been known for our creativity, leadership, or innovation.
Maybe someone from LVMPD is looking into LAPD’s stance on this and they are holding back also.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has one of the most “top” heavy administrations in the county, with new positions being fabricated on a constant basis to accommodate Gillespie’s favorites. (LAPD has a very slight advantage with 2 more deputy chiefs, but about 6,000 more personnel)
You would think one or a few of the administrators could get together and get that research done and get the sheriff a decision that would make up his mind.
Proponents of the exemptions believe that the stalling tactics would keep the fees for the background checks flowing.
And really, who is worried whether or not a person, who already has a gun AND has already had a background check completed, AND applied for and received a CCW permit, needs to have another background check done.  If anything, a quick call to LVMPD records division would verify if they still qualify to purchase another weapon.  So tack on a $5.00 fee for that and no waiting period.
Background checks are completed by LVMPD prior to issuance of the CCW permit, so in lieu of anything happening since the permit was issued, the permit holder should still be in good standing to purchase another firearm.
Call Sheriff Gillespie and ask him to make a timely decision in favor of your beliefs. 
Ask for the Office of the Sheriff after calling 229-3111 and leave your message. 

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