DMV still allows delaying smog test when renewing registration

Q Is there any new information regarding COVID-19 allowances for DMV registration renewals? I am over 72 and have not been able to get out for a smog test. Can

I send in the registration without the smog test and then follow up with the test later to avoid additional fees for late filing for my 2001 Ford F-150?

— Dave Bursky

A Yes. The current temporary guidelines remain in place. Send in your DMV fees and get it smogged when you feel it is safe to do so. However, you won’t get your stickers until DMV gets the smog results.

The DMV has asked law enforcement not to ticket drivers with expired stickers, but not everyc op has gotten the message, as Mrs. Roadshow recently discovered.

Q I followed your advice, Mr. Roadshow, and dutifully paid my car registration fee, then was waiting to get the car smogged when it seemed safe. I was stopped recently by in a West policeman San Jose.I saw him behind me and was surprised when heal so did a U-turn at the intersection where I had been waiting. Soon, his lights were flashing. What did I do? I thought, whoa, I bet it’s for the old stickers!

It was. He checked whatever he was checking on his computer, then gave me a warning, to which I said: “Mr. Roadshow said it’s OK to get your car smogged later because of COVID.” “He’s wrong,” he said. I promised to get it done as soon as I could and headed right to the place where we normally get that done. It was a rainy day, however, and the office was not large enough for it to be safe to wait inside.

A The DMV confirmed Friday that I was correct.

Q What is a sideshow? It seems to be an unwelcome event. Is it a car show? Drag race? Gathering of cars and people like a party?

The reader’ s suggestionto drop water on them was drastic and dangerous, yet humorous.

— Leslie Sheppard, Marina

A A sideshow is a dangerous event, and they are increasing in number. It’s usually young drivers who take over a street or freeway to do many fast doughnuts with sometimes hundreds of spectators inches away egging them on.

Q I read your column on sideshows and the 30-day hold on cars seized by San Jose police recently. What would be more effective is a 30-day holdandsold.

—J.S.,Concord

A I bet that would work for many others fed up with sideshows.