Remember: Windshield wipers on, headlights on
Q You’ve covered this in the past, but another reminder is needed.
Daytime running lights are not headlights! Your taillights are not on.
Driving to Truckee on Thursday, in the midst of a terrific rainstorm, visibility was poor.
Vehicles using daytime running lights were practically invisible when approached from behind. Daytime running lights don’t turn on your taillights!
— Cathy Switzer,
Sunnyvale
A
So true. Remember this law: Wipers on, HEADLIGHTS on.
Q
Two years ago my daughter got a fixit ticket for a burned-out headlight.
She got the headlight repaired and the signature of a police officer affirming the repair, but forgot to complete the final transaction with the traffic court.
Now she is being hounded by the Santa Clara County Superior Court collection department for a payment of $700. Is this her only recourse?
What else can she do to solve this problem?
She would be mortified if she knew this note came from me. Please just sign me:
— The Concerned Mother
A
I understand (and she’s probably going to recognize her story, but here we go). She can throw herself on the mercy of the court and appeal the $700 fine. There is a good chance that it will either be reduced or dismissed.
Go to court with her so that, if asked, you can vouch for the fact that a fine, whatever it is, will be paid.
When I went to traffic court as an observer for a couple of days to write a story about it some years ago, I was surprised at that time how many fines were reduced or dismissed. Q Last year you announced that seniors over 70 could wait a year to renew their driving license.
I did and my license will be delayed until late October.
Is there a deadline by when I have to renew this?
I know I may have to travel to the DMV to reapply but hellloooo, there is still a major pandemic around here.
I’m staying home and my hubby does all the driving these days.
Oh, I use a cane and can’t stay in line for long, either. — Kathleen Bender, Hayward
A
Good news.
Folks 70 and older can now continue to renew their driver’s license online or by mail through Dec. 31, 2022.
Seniors can renew at dmv.ca.gov/online — including for Real ID renewals, even if their notice states that a field office visit is required.
If you are applying for a Real ID for the first time, you can start the application online and upload required documents.
But you must visit a field office to take a photo and finalize the process.