Less than a third of those eligible seek DMV refunds

"Since the inception of the program, we've initiated several proactive attempts to encourage people to apply for the refunds," said DMV spokeswoman Kimberly Evans. "As of June 1, 1,075 residents have applied. Of those, 869 have been approved..."

So far, the department has issued $43,450 in refunds to the 869 people. But Evans said the agency figures about 3,000 people are eligible. Earlier, the DMV had estimated 5,000 could qualify and refunds could add up to as much as $200,000.

The refund program is aimed at paying back people who were fined under terms of a former program to make sure drivers carried auto insurance.

Nevadans were supposed to return cards to the DMV in which they stated they had insurance, but many never got or didn't return the cards. The DMV then levied $50 fines, although it later was shown many people actually had insurance.

State lawmakers set up a program last year to change the insurance verification program and return the $50 fines to people who had carried insurance.

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