What’s the deal with all those expired registration tags?
Q
I’m a Bay Area cop and would like to chime in about the numerous complaints of expired registration tags readers often send in. One thing that may not be obvious to the general public is that most vehicles with expired tags are currently registered or in the process of being registered by a new owner.
Expired registration is an easy ticket for me to write, but when I run a plate, I’d estimate 70 to 80 percent of expired tags are either current (and the owner hasn’t put on the current tag for some reason) or there is a pending application for a new owner registering it.
I’m guilty myself of forgetting to put current tags in my own vehicle sometimes, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t pay the registration.
— Officer Dave
A
That is good to know. I get so many angry messages about California drivers with outdated tags, and the state is clamping down on those motorists. But the number of people living or working in California with out-of-state vehicles is unknown. The CHP says it seeks out vehicles it believes to be in the state on a long-term basis. You can submit tips to www.chp.ca.gov/ cheaters.
Q
The far left lane west on Brokaw Road becomes the on-ramp to northbound Interstate 880. But there is no warning sign leading to the ramp except for a small arrow on the signal arm. I have seen near collisions of drivers making a sudden merge to the right. A warning sign and pavement markings between Old Oakland Road and Ridder Park Drive would help.
— Roy Cabaltera
A
When this intersection was redesigned, San Jose installed extra signs to let drivers know about the upcoming freeway-only lane. But they will take another look and see if additional signs can be added to address this approach.
Q
If you haven’t been to San Mateo lately, I encourage you to check out the nearly finished Highway 92 and El Camino Real intersection. It’s pretty much finished. Much safer merging lanes, more efficient traffic flows. A huge improvement.
— Carol Henton, San Mateo
A
Huge indeed. Now if we could only get the nearby 92-101 interchange fixed.
Q
Things get pretty hectic during rush hour at San Martin and Sycamore avenues in San Martin. A four-way stop is needed there. Making that a four-way stop would bring serenity to an otherwise Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde world. Any chance for this to happen?
— Gary McDowell
A
Maybe. County officials will be look at this intersection. If warranted, they will install four-way stop signs after that.