Real ID could be available soon at NorCal AAA offices

Q

Last week, my husband received a message from the DMV that anyone who renewed their driver’s license since the pandemic started and does not have a Real ID can now apply for one and there is no charge.

We went to the Redwood City DMV.

I had an appointment and my husband was a walk-in.

We both had very good experiences and finished in about 25 minutes.

You are encouraged to fill in the information online before showing up.

We did that, but when we got there, we were required to fill out the forms again.

I hope you can let people know that if they fill out the form online, the very last screen will show you a special number. Write down this code and give it to the person at the entrance. Otherwise, you will be required to fill it all in again, which is not a problem, but it does take a little time to do.

When you complete the online application at home, you are not told to write the code down and bring it with you to the DMV.

— Nancy Steinbach, Palo Alto

A

Thanks for the tips and soon there my be another option.

The DMV is talking with AAA to allow members to get a Real ID at AAA offices in Northern California. It recently started this Southern California.

Q

Recent improvements to the Foothill Boulevard exit ramp at Interstate 280 are mostly great.

But can Caltrans install a “right on red OK” (after stop) sign at the bottom of the ramp?

I see many drivers confused as to whether a right on red is allowed. I’ve witnessed several flying fists and other fingers at this intersection.

— Adam Stein

A

Right on red is allowed here since there are no signs restricting it.

Other signs may be added, as well, and the signal may be retimed to clear up the confusion and ease backups.

Q

Several years ago the Valley Transportation Authority spent millions to build a rapid transit bus lane so buses could move unimpeded by traffic down Alum Rock Avenue.

But whose responsibility is it to maintain the median areas?

The dead weeds and bushes between Capitol and Jackson avenues have been there for a long time and look awful.

This is one of the reasons why we in East San Jose often wonder if governmental agencies wait until the last minute to deal with issues on the east side.

— Lyal Holmberg,

San Jose

A

It’s the city’s responsibility. The city will remove the weeds and add these sections of median to its quarterly maintenance cycle.