Drivers Caught in Catch-22 by Insurance Law

Dear Traffic Talk:

I was reading an article in The Times about the confiscation of cars and what will happen to people when they are driving without a driver’s license. I would like to know what will happen when police stop you and you don’t have car insurance. I was stopped recently and got a ticket but I was not asked for proof of my car insurance.

Elmo E. Star

Sylmar

Dear Reader:

Welcome to the vagaries of California law.

The state requires every driver and vehicle owner to have some type of financial responsibility, in the event you clip a Corsica or sideswipe a Suzuki during your travels. Insurance is the most common form, although you do have the option to deposit $35,000 with either the Department of Motor Vehicles or a licensed bond agency.

Despite this requirement, law enforcement officers can’t cite you for lacking insurance unless you get in an accident.

“It’s kind of a strange law,” admits LAPD Officer Tom Souza. “The only time you’re in violation is if you get in a collision and can’t show proof of insurance. Once you have an accident, though, it’s too late. You need to already have that financial responsibility.”

If you are involved in an accident and don’t have the insurance or other financial responsibility, the DMV will take back your license.

Dear Traffic Talk:

I’m rattled!

The Golden State Freeway south, between Sunland Boulevard and Hollywood Way is an internal organ-shaking, bone-rattling disaster. It appears that concrete was poured in 6- to 8-foot sections and little care was given to a smooth transition between slabs.

Is this shoddy workmanship, an experiment gone awry or just plain old poor technology and is there any plan to correct it? This is not a recent, earthquake-caused condition.

Gary Cordova

Sun Valley

Dear Reader:

The slabs you mention once provided a smooth surface for commuters but are now showing what 150,000 vehicles per day can do to a thoroughfare.

Although far from the heaviest-traveled section of California freeways, this segment of road takes a heavier pounding than most because of frequent truck traffic, said spokesman Russ Snyder of the state Department of Transportation.

“We’re aware of that,” said Snyder of the uneven roadway. “It’s part of the aging of the freeway. Although it doesn’t provide a danger, it’s not as smooth of a ride as we would like.”

Unfortunately, the transportation department’s tight budget situation means there are no immediate plans to smooth over the uneven slabs.

Caltrans’ advice for now is to avoid the lanes that are used most frequently by trucks, and to drive carefully.

Traffic Talk appears Fridays in The Times Valley Edition. Readers are invited to submit comments and questions about traffic around the Valley. 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.