The Mercury News

Drivers over 70: Don’t worry about proof of extension

- DARy RICHARDS Columnist

QI am 70 and my driver’s license is up for renewal in October. Now that the DMV has extended renewals for drivers over 70 for one year so that I don’t have to show up at the DMV, will they send me something to affix to my license stating that it’s good until 2021? — Dennis Nichols, San Jose

ANo, but fret not. The new extensions are automatic, and drivers will not receive a new card or paper extension in the mail. You can request a free temporary paper extension online through DMV’s Virtual Field Office to document the extension, though it is not needed to drive.

QThe DMV is trying to get me killed. I just received a vehicle registrati­on renewal notice and the car needs a smog test. I am in the vulnerable group for the virus for several reasons (75 years old with asthma).

For the last four months, I have been sheltering at home. I get several necessitie­s delivered and every three weeks go to Safeway for some items. That’s it, except for my daily walks around my neighborho­od.

Now the DMV requires me to go to a smog station, interact with those folks, and just hope and pray they are not carrying the virus. This is unacceptab­le. You would think smog certificat­ions could be extended for a year. But no, the DMV feels getting the smog test is more important than my life.

I beg to differ. — Tom Darby, San Jose

ASmog checks can be done when you feel it safe to do so. Pay the renewal fee, then have it smogged later. The police and CHP know about these DMV delays.

QDuring the constructi­on on Highway 101, there are no exit signs for Ralston and Hillsdale. If one isn’t familiar with the route, you wouldn’t know where to exit. — Jo Ann Arneson, Belmont

AThat’s not good. I forwarded this on to Caltrans.

QI’ve been meaning to write about noisy motorcycle­s since a biker moved in down the street about four years ago. He ruins the calm every morning at 6 a.m. before going to work, I assume, to say nothing of all his visitors. Anyway, you say the fine is $1,000. What you don’t say is why these innumerabl­e infraction­s aren’t being cited. …

A neighbor used to leave for work at 5:30 a.m. He’d start his modified and loud motorcycle with five to six good revs that you could hear blocks away. Then he’d leave the bike idling for another 5-10 minutes before leaving with three very loud revs and then loud growling through the neighborho­od. Was so glad when he moved. — Ed Malley, Frank Michaels and others

AI bet.

Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat at noon Wednesdays at www.mercurynew­s. com/live-chats. Look for Gary at Facebook.com/ mr.roadshow, or contact him at mrroadshow@ bayareanew­sgroup.com or 408-920-5335.

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