I have been a resident of Myrtle Beach for more than 25 years. I am now retired and travel a lot. The registration and sticker on my vehicle expire at [the] end of July. I am planning a trip to Madison, Wis., that could last up to 45 days. On July 17, I went to the Horry County Treasurer's Office on 21st Avenue North and paid my tax bill. I asked for a receipt to take across the street to the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles to pick up my sticker and registration. The lady said that I could not go pick up my sticker and registration. She indicated the system had now been changed and the only way to get these documents was by mail.

I explained to her that I was leaving on a trip and would not wait in Myrtle Beach for up to 10 days. She then explained if I did not receive my documents in 10 days, then I could go to the DMV in Myrtle Beach and pick up the sticker and registration. To no avail, I explained that this would not work. I was not able to get the documents.

I called County Treasurer Johnny C. Allen's office and spoke to an individual who explained that Allen would not be back until Monday. She transferred me to Vicki Bell, who was very helpful. She explained the system again. She then arranged for me to go to the DMV and pick up the documents, which I did this morning, July 18.

I ended up discussing this matter with several people with the Horry County government and the DMV. I was also given the name of David Burgess with the DMV in Columbia. Someone indicated he was involved in this new system. I have tried several times to reach Burgess, but there is no way I can get through the maze of button pushing and voice mails to get to him.

Most of them explained that the state of S.C. police officers knew of the system and would not give you a ticket in the first 30 days. This, of course, would not eliminate the inconvenience of an S.C. officer pulling you over for an expired sticker.

I have my documents this time, but this system will not work. On my trip to Madison, I could be stopped at a traffic check in Crab Orchard, W.Va., (just outside of Beckley). Will the local county Mountie be aware of the S.C. system?

We are living and traveling in an international situation. While in Madison I may decide to drive over into Canada. Is there any possibility that I may have trouble crossing the border with expired documents? If I do get into Canada, I may have trouble getting back. If the vehicle is stolen, will I have trouble getting it back with expired documents?

As arranged by Vicki Bell, I went to the DMV on 21st Avenue North to pick up my documents. I was sent to the mobile unit in the back. There were four people working, and I was the only taxpayer requesting service. Along the way I was told that the law had not been changed. They indicated that this was just a policy that the DMV had implemented July 1.

My immediate problem has been solved. I am concerned about the other S.C. taxpayers. There is no way this system will work. If South Carolina desired, it could have the county treasurer's offices give you the decal when you pay the taxes, as they now do in some states.

Along the way, everyone I talked to was very helpful and courteous. They are just trying to implement a system that, in my opinion, will not work.