Road warrior: Say cheese! Can you carry a photo instead of your license, registration and insurance documents?

Apr. 29—PICTURE PERFECT — Steve asks if it's acceptable to keep a photo of his license, registration and/or insurance proof on a cellphone rather than carry a physical copy.

"I go to the gym or ride a bike frequently and would prefer to carry only my phone and keys," Steve wrote.

Charlie Moore, director of communications for the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, said that drivers need to carry their physical licenses at all times when driving.

But wait — does a recently passed state law allowing for electronic licenses change that?

No, Moore said. The department is still working to get digital licenses up and running, but even when they are in effect, drivers will still need to carry their physical licenses.

The rules are a little different for proof of insurance.

You can carry a photo of your proof of insurance rather than a physical copy. That doesn't mean, though, that a police officer can swipe through your other photos or texts. Moore said that state statute presumes that anyone presenting a photo of their proof of insurance does not "consent to provide access to a law enforcement officer to any other information stored in the portable electronic device." The owner must take full responsibility for any damage that might happen to the phone.

For registrations, Moore said, drivers are required to sign Motor Vehicle Division registrations and show them to police officers upon request.

AN UPDATE: Two weeks ago, I wrote about a water authority project on Montgomery that caused lane closures. The valve installation on the corner of Montgomery and Morris was set to wrap up imminently.

But, although a spokesperson for the water authority said the lanes should reopen soon (possibly by the publication of this column), don't be surprised if the lanes close again this fall. David Morris from the water authority said that during the project, more valves were discovered in need of repair or replacement.

The water authority is planning to wait until water demand drops this fall to complete the work.

MEEP MEEP: Wile E. Coyote is quaking in his boots.

As part of a safety campaign reminding drivers to slow down in construction zones, the New Mexico Department of Transportation has introduced a new mascot: Zippy, the road runner.

Four NMDOT districts around the state, including the offices serving the areas in and around Deming, Albuquerque, Las Vegas and Grants/Milan, have built road runners out of discarded orange construction barrels and traffic cones. These road runners are closer in size to a rhinoceros than a raptor (the bird variety).

Zippy will be used to share tips to keep work zones safe.

HELP YOURSELF. MVD INSTALLS NEW SELF-SERVICE KIOSK: Avoiding an MVD office might cost you a 2.2% credit card fee and a $3.95 convenience fee.

But it might be a small price to pay to be able to renew your registration, pay traffic citations and/or update driver information while picking up your weekly shopping.

The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division unveiled its newest self-service kiosk, or MVD Direct location, at the Smith's grocery store on Wyoming.

Unlike MVD field offices, which are open on weekdays, the kiosks are available on weekends, and can print a vehicle registration and sticker in minutes.

There are now five kiosk locations in Albuquerque. They're at: Albertsons, 11825 Lomas NE and 4950 Montgomery NE, and at Smith's, 8100 Wyoming NE, 111 Coors NW and 4800 McMahon NW.