Questions and Answers About Your Commute : The Cones Do Some Traveling of Their Own

Dear Traffic Talk:

I have seen abandoned orange cones on the side of freeways--from San Bernardino to San Diego, from Santa Barbara to Antelope Valley--in all shapes and sizes almost every day and it really bothers me because, I presume, this is government property, therefore, it is paid for by taxpayers’ money.

As part of my job, I have spent a considerable time on the road and I have always wondered who is responsible for this waste of taxpayers’ money. Is it Caltrans or the Department of Water and Power? Or some other government agency?

John L. Shinn III

Encino

Dear Reader:

Not having legs, let alone licenses to drive, those orange cones sure get around, don’t they?

While rubber cones are commonly used by utility companies or municipal crews doing roadwork, the cones’ most extensive user by far is the California Department of Transportation. They’re linked so firmly with the agency that it ran a public safety campaign a few years ago to remind drivers that where there are cones, there are also people.

“They’re ubiquitous,” said Caltrans spokesman Russ Snyder. “We use them on just about every construction job. They’ve come to define what Caltrans is.”

Unfortunately, with so many in use, there are bound to be some that don’t make it back into the truck at the end of the day. Caltrans is fond enough of them, though, that the agency is eager to retrieve any it has lost.

If a cone presents an immediate traffic hazard, drivers should call 911. Otherwise, they should call Caltrans’ maintenance division at (213) 897-0383.

“Under no circumstances should anybody try to get out of their vehicle to pick up a traffic cone,” said Snyder. “Even though they think they’re doing a nice thing, it’s really very dangerous.”

Cones not claimed within 30 days by their rightful owners will either be returned to the finder or put back into service by the department.

Dear Traffic Talk:

Recently, we tried to report what appeared to be a drunk driver in a pickup truck, but were unable to get two digits of the license because it was partly blocked by a pipe rack. Since then we have observed hundreds of vehicles with damaged plates, dirty plates and others blocked by hitches, steps, etc.

What laws and penalties apply to these infractions? Also, what about vehicles with no front plates?

Roger V. Wing

Reseda

Dear Reader:

Owners are required to clearly display license plates issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. (Section 5200 in case you’re browsing through the state vehicle code guide.)

If a plate is obscured, whether by a clod of dirt by day or a burnt-out light by night, it’s a minor infraction punishable by a fine. It’s similarly illegal to drive without a front license plate.

“Both of those are against the law,” said Officer Frank Zedroy of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Valley Traffic Division. “The only one I’ve seen that you can kind of get away with is a ball for a trailer hitch.”

Anyone who has lost a front license plate can call the local DMV office to order a replacement.

Dear Traffic Talk:

Will you please print the name and phone number of the agency to which we can report a motorist whose car is belching large amounts of smoke?

Ken Johnson

Burbank

Dear Reader:

You probably won’t even need a pen to remember the number of the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

It’s 1-(800)-CUT-SMOG.

Traffic Talk appears Fridays in The Times Valley Edition. Readers are invited to submit comments and questions about traffic, commuting and what makes it difficult to get around the Valley. Include simple sketches if helpful. Letters may be published in upcoming columns. Please write to Traffic Talk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth, Calif. 91311. Include your full name, address and day and evening phone numbers. Letters may be edited, and no anonymous letters will be accepted. To record your comments, call (818) 772-3303. Send fax letters to (818) 772-3385.