Are some signals taking longer to turn green?

QTraffic light timing seems to have slowed down considerably. It now takes longer to get through intersections. I don’t think it is my imagination. — Clinton Kennedy, San Jose

AIt’s not your imagination, and here’s the deal. Since traffic is returning to pre-pandemic volumes, San Jose has reverted signals to normal timing settings. They are synchronized to allow traffic to move through multiple signals in a row without having to stop as frequently along major roads. This, the city says, helps reduce overall delays.

However, a trade-off is that drivers on the side streets intersecting major roads may have a longer wait to get a green light.

The city will continue to adjust signals based on traffic conditions. If you have feedback about specific locations, contact traffic.signals@sanjoseca. gov or 408-975-3700.

QYou missed on your answer to the DMV charging $5 to have “Veteran” listed on a license. First, we ask them to serve and then we thank them. Oh, and then we charge them to display it. BS at it’s best . ... The DMV $5 charge to add “Veteran” to a state driver’s license makes the term “Thank you for your service” seem hollow to this Vietnam veteran. Makes me wonder if you served.

— Dan O’Neal and

Richard Grialou

ANo, I did not serve. I had a medical deferment for the draft in 1970 since my left leg had been amputated when I was 12, due to bone cancer. My father, father-in-law and brother-in-law served in various branches of the military, each in a war. The $5 fee approved by the state legislature helps cover DMV administrative costs.

QI have a friend who drives with an expired driver’s license. His car is registered and he has insurance. What would happen if he were pulled over by a policeman? — Heather Haas

AA driver’s expired license is like having no license at all.

He is presently an unlicensed driver and would be issued a citation for it, probably not be allowed to drive his car away. The car might also be impounded.

“It’s not a minor thing,” says Sgt.-Bruce-the-Roadshow-Adviser: “If you are involved in an accident, things are going to get complicated.”

QAs a Californian, I see plenty of cars with Oregon and Nevada plates. But what the heck is up with all the Florida plates lately? And, no, they aren’t tourists.

— Joe Lizarrago,

San Jose

AThis likely is a way for some drivers to avoid California car registration fees. The owner of a vehicle in California is required to register it here within 20 days of bringing the car into the state and to get California plates.