Under the new gas tax hike law, it’s more expensive to move here.

The law jacked up the price of vehicle registration and put a $250 fee on out of state vehicle owners.

Out of ignorance or to avoid the fees, new residents don’t register.

How many that may be is not known, and law enforcement finds it difficult to enforce the law.

As a result, Lexington County loses property taxes on unregistered vehicles.

And South Carolina loses even more in vehicle registration and the one-time $250 road maintenance fee.

That ultimately costs Lexington County taxpayers. They must make up for lost tax revenue and costs of maintaining crumbling bridges and roads.

Registration fees are due within 45 days of accepting employment or establishing residency in our state.

This is one of many rarely enforced laws our lawmakers have passed. But many people who move here are unaware of such laws.

“As far as enforcement, if someone is stopped for a traffic violation, it may be discovered that he or she is now living in South Carolina from another state,” said Cpl. Cameron Mortenson of the Lexington Police.

“If they exceed the 45 day grace period, then they may be written a citation.

“Officers don’t and wouldn’t specially focus on out of state plated vehicles to see if the driver/vehicle are residents who are not compliant with the registration requirements.”

Adam Myrick of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department said their deputies follow similar practices.