DMV kiosks are found in some field offices and grocery stores
QAlthough Hawaii, where I now reside, is typically pretty far behind the mainland when it comes to modernizing, the state is piloting an idea that could reduce trips and lines at the DMV.
There are self-service kiosks in four 24-hour Safeway stores where people can renew their vehicle registration. The kiosks produce vehicle registration cards and the stickers and decals that go on the car. People can even use the kiosks to pay outstanding fines for overdue registrations. The state plans to roll out the program to all the islands and to more stores on Oahu.
Can California try this? — Carol Zink, Kailua, Hawaii
AWe are way ahead. There are 155 kiosks spread across DMV field offices in California, plus AAA offices, grocery stores, libraries and UC Irvine. To register your vehicle, you will need your vehicle registration renewal notice or most recent vehicle registration card.
If you need this material ASAP, this is the way to do it. Go to www.dmv. ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/ fo/sst/toc_fo to get a list of locations.
Now my turn to ask a question. Why did a Redwood City gal end up living near Honolulu?
QOur daughters are stationed here for a few years, so the grandkid magnet won. When they transfer to Virginia we’ll move back to Redwood City. — Carol Zink
AAs a new grandpa, I most certainly understand the grandkid magnet.
QThere is a road sign in Ohio to help educate drivers, such as “Visiting In-Laws? Slow down, Get there late.” I haven’t seen any similar signs in California. Maybe we should consider it. — Tom Kwasniak, Hollister
AI love it, though my in-laws were wonderful.
QTo the guy who is thinking of dropping the use of his car and filing for planned non-operation (PNO) status the next time registration is due, here is my advice: Just rent a car when needed.
Keeping a car involves costs. If you store it unused you need to keep the battery on a charger and have a place to park it. If you store it for longer than 60 days you may need to put in gas stabilizer and crank the engine every so often. It can seize and not run because of a lack of lubrication. He would need to monitor air pressure and perhaps partially block it up to take the weight off the tires so they don’t set in the one position. Plus his insurance might need to be kept up at some small level.
It’s just a pain to have to keep track of. Rent one by the hour or for a trip. No worries. — Ralph Durham, Fremont
AGot it. Those DMV kiosks also can be used by drivers who have decided not to drive their vehicle and want to file for planned non-operation status.
Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/ mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@ bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920-5037.