Why large box-style trucks get green light for HOV lanes
Q On a recent trip, I often observed what seemed like trucks to me in carpool lanes, and in the far left lane of the freeway, going way over the truck speed limit of 55 mph. They were large box-style trucks with only two axles, but highcapacity cargo carriers. Are these trucks for the purposes of the lane and speed limit definitions?
— Ted Panofsky, Woodside
A Trucks are defined as those with three axles or more. The vehicles you describe can go 65 mph and if they have two or more people in the vehicle, can use the carpool lane.
Q We live in a neighborhood next to Valley Fair mall and get a lot of spillover parking, especially since the mall started charging for parking. A lot of mall employees now park on our streets. While I sympathize, our neighbor's driveway was completely blocked on one occasion and police refused to respond.
What can be done? Is it possible to call a tow company directly to get a car towed? I feel sorry for mall employees who can't afford to park at the mall, but if the city doesn't enforce parking rules, it is going to be a freefor-all. I don't care if people park on the street, but only jerks block a driveway.
— Mattie Thornton
A
You can call a tow truck if someone is blocking your driveway and you can't get out.
Parking could get more difficult here when San Jose Water replaces 2,100 feet of 16-inch diameter pipe that runs down Stevens Creek Boulevard in front of Valley Fair. Work will be done from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays and should be completed by mid-August.
Q On the subject of having your dog riding on your lap, I've seen one truly unique pet in a car, a parrot standing atop a steering wheel. On the freeway.
— Greg Throne
A There was also a Bay Area driver in the past few years whose pet pig rode in the seat beside them.
Q I never thought I'd be inclined to contact you, but I could use your help. We frequently travel east on Highway 152. On the flyover at the 156 junction, just before Casa De Fruta, the road/transition is so uneven that my car hits it very hard each time.
It has repeatedly jarred my alignment. Now I need to get my alignment done, again. Alignments are expensive!
Can you please ask Caltrans to get that transition smoothed out? I submitted an online request for service, but it appears it is a duplicate request. We need someone with your “muscle” to get this taken care of soon!
A Repairs are coming.