Newcomers to State Must Register Cars

Dear Traffic Talk:

The parking lot I use in downtown Los Angeles has several cars registered in states other than California.

I know these people are working for the state of California full time. What is the time allotment to register their vehicle in California? Is there a reward system for reporting cars that don’t have their California registration?

Lee Dollins, Northridge

*

Dear Lee:

Out-of-state cars are required to obtain California registration within 20 days after the establishment of residency, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

The department requires that people who make their home in California or take a job here apply for a California driver’s license within 10 days.

There is no finders fee. People are often cited by police officers after being stopped for another traffic violation, said California Highway Patrol Officer Frank Sandoval.

If a driver were stopped for running a red light and was later found to be driving with an out-of-state license but a state resident, he would be ticketed for both violations. Sandoval said the fine is usually determined by the traffic court.

****

Dear Traffic Talk:

Apparently, someone has obliterated the sign that says “two cars per green” on the Balboa Boulevard onramp to the Ventura Freeway.

How does someone notify the proper authorities to get that sign back where it belongs to tell people that two cars can go on a green light?

Frank Levin, Van Nuys

*

Dear Frank:

Problems with onramps are handled by Caltrans. Ed Sumrow, an engineer in the electrical maintenance department, said the sign would be repaired immediately.

****

Dear Traffic Talk:

About 30 years ago, Calvert Street was repaved from Valley Circle Boulevard to Rod Avenue.

Shortly after, a cement truck lost some cargo on the hill and the spillage has lasted longer than the paving. When is this section of Calvert scheduled for repaving?

Hal Lindy, Woodland Hills

*

Dear Hal:

The street has been included in the Bureau of Street Services 1998-99 annual resurfacing program, spokesman Richard Evans said.

The streets are chosen by criteria that include age, pavement defects, drainage, soil samples and riding quality, he said.

The actual repair work is slowed down by limited resources, but any street that is not repaved after one year is reconsidered the next year.

****

Dear Traffic Talk:

How come more places don’t employ the four-way stop where people can push a button and cross in mid-street?

Bob Reitman, Northridge

*

Dear Bob:

Officer Thornton of the Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Division said it sounds as if you are asking for more pedestrian crosswalks.

Although there are a few crosswalks on Ventura Boulevard near Laurel Canyon Boulevard, a lack of available funds prevents more from being installed.

Traffic Talk appears Fridays in The Times Valley Edition. Readers may submit comments and questions about traffic in the Valley to Traffic Talk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311. Include your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited, and no anonymous letters will be accepted. To record your comments, call (818) 772-3303. Fax letters to (818) 772-3385. E-mail questions to valley@latimes.com.