Reno woman goes to war with DMV over treatment

Friday, Nov. 5, 1999 | 11:09 a.m.

Sonja Pack began criticizing the Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety after the startup of its new Genesis computer system, which slowed transactions at DMV offices instead of speeding up the process.

Part of the new procedures - limiting the time an individual may spend at a service window - affected her business, which involves getting vehicle titles for auto dealers and others who contract with her.

Pack says that when she showed up for a half-hour appointment this week at the DMV, an officer from the Capitol Police Force and two DMV supervisors kept an eye on her.

"They were waiting for me," she said. "It was harassment to me."

"There was no threat of arrest or harassment," countered Kim Evans, public relations officer for the department.

Evans said the agency got a complaint that Pack was soliciting business in the office, and that's only permitted outside.

Pack said she has never solicited clients for her business in the six years she has been dealing with the department. But if somebody asks her for her card, she gives one to them.

Pack says the slowdown in service is costing her business. She said she was once able to process 10 to 15 titles a day, but now is limited to a 30-minute appointment and to three titles a day.

Gov. Kenny Guinn said the limitation is five titles a day, but Pack said the word must not be getting down to the staff since she is cut off at three titles.