ROCK HILL, S.C. (AP) - York County authorities want residents' help in rounding up vehicle tax violators.

York County has long had a problem with residents registering their vehicles in neighboring North Carolina, where car taxes and insurance are cheaper. That costs the county money, officials say. They fear the problem grows as Charlotte, N.C., commuters continue to move to northern York County.

''As we all take our children to schools to drop them off, we're sitting in line, and the people in front of us are driving an out-of-state vehicle,'' said York County Councilman Perry Johnson, who represents the Lake Wylie and Clover areas. ''It makes us think, 'Wait a minute, I'm paying to educate their children.' That's not a fair situation.''

To fight back, officials have set up a new toll-free number people can call to report such tax evaders. It opens today.

If the county determines a York County resident owns a vehicle with out-of-state tags, and the person fails to comply, the violator will face penalties and could have their driver's license suspended.

The property taxes on a car worth $15,000 is about $380 in Rock Hill versus $190 in Charlotte, N.C.

Insurance is also cheaper. South Carolina drivers pay an average of $745 for insurance annually, compared to the $605 average for North Carolina drivers.

A similar call-in program in Dorchester County near the coast has put $93,403 in county coffers since January.