NEW LAW MEANS FEWER TRIPS FOR LICENSES

It is, according to Department of Revenue director Quentin Wilson, "the most significant complaint people have about state government." Missourians will agree with Wilson, because he is referring to automobile registration and drivers licensing. A new law is winning plaudits because it promises to make this irritating, time-consuming part of life a little easier.

Last week Gov. Mel Carnahan signed legislation that makes major changes in how Missourians secure automobile inspections, obtain car licenses and renew their driver's licenses. The new law allows auto registration every two years instead of annually, for twice the current fee. Other provisions in the new law include ones that:

* Allow vehicle inspections every two years instead of annually, again for twice the current fee.

* Double the length of time a Missouri drivers license is effective, from the current three years to six years, in exchange of doubling the existing fee from $7.50 to $15.

* Set up a system of "intermediate drivers licenses for new motorists aged 16 to 18 beginning in January 2001. Applicants must have had temporary permits for six months and have been behind the wheel for at least 20 hours of supervised driving.

* Create an intermediate license for young drivers: Current law allows a 16-year-old an unlimited license. The new law imposes a driving curfew for 16- to 18-year-olds between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. These young motorists would also have to complete driver improvement education if they accumulate six or more penalty points for driving violations during the 12-month period.

The new law also doubles to 30 days the period that dealer plates may remain on newly purchased vehicles; lets cities pass ordinances to collect unpaid parking tickets by adding the fines to a motorist's annual property taxes; and lets motorists apply for special plates promoting service clubs or pro sports teams.

The new law was opposed by many license fee office agents. Most driving Missourians, however, will applaud its passage and the promise it brings of fewer trips to the counter at their friendly local fee office.