This Adjective Can Now Be Used to Describe the DMV: Fascinating
The reason for the Internet’s existence has at last been made clear to me: The DMV has a Web site. Located at https://www.dmv.ca.gov, it is a veritable Ali Baba’s cave of fascinating facts, explanations and useful shortcuts. In addition to pages covering everything from “Frequently Asked Questions” to “Specialty License Plates” to “Boat Info,” there are all sorts of genuinely newsy bits.
One learns that by spring, online vehicle registration should be available, and that the programming contract has been awarded to IBM. That company, as an oddly unreassuring end note mentions, has already installed similar setups in Arizona, Arkansas and Louisiana. So now we finally have something in common with Louisiana.
Also on the good-news front is Gov. Gray Davis’ resolve not to appeal a court decision declaring the Non-Resident Vehicle Smog Impact Fee unconstitutional. Those who already shelled out the 300 bucks are eligible for a refund, forms for which are available on the Web site or at the local DMV. Although the forms are available, the payment system unfortunately is not. Presumably, once they’ve hired a few bookkeepers and perhaps put in a call to IBM, those checks will be in the mail.
For the truly dedicated, the 2000 Vehicle Code is available with both Appendix A (Other Laws Relating to the Use and Operation of Motor Vehicles) and B (List of Violations of the Vehicle Code). For the rest of us, there’s a handy run-through of new bills signed into law this year.
A few to whet your taste:
AB 71: Allows low-emission vehicles, such as electric and alternative-fuel cars to operate in carpool lanes while carrying only the driver. A special decal is required. Effective July 1.
AB 640: Eliminates the $36 special plate fee for those qualified for Pearl Harbor Survivor, Legion of Valor and Purple Heart plates.
AB 1041: Authorizes a plate to raise funds for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
AB 1165: Requires farm labor vehicles to have safety belts for all passengers no later than May 5.
SB 1288: Requires dealers to smog certify each vehicle in their inventory.
AB 1650: Among other things, states that it is a criminal act to drive a commercial vehicle on a highway faster than 15 mph over the speed limit; a DUI conviction involving injury resulting from a boat accident would result in a driver’s license suspension; and although current law requires a driver to give the right of way to a passing driver, the slowpoke does not need to drive onto the shoulder of the road to do so.
SB 533: Among other things, states that the name listed on a driver’s license or ID card must be the person’s true full name; and hand and arm signals may only be used in the event that turn signals are broken.
AB 581: Gas stations must provide air and water free of charge to customers who buy fuel.
For those who feel the need to brush up on the law, the entire California Code is available for electronic perusal, as well as links to all sorts of helpful state and federal agencies. And among the many sample forms, tests and explanations, there is a simple course in the Rules of the Road, where one is reminded, for instance, that one should turn left only if one has enough space to complete the turn “before any oncoming vehicle, bicycle or pedestrian becomes a hazard.”
Of course the other drivers will think you’re from some place like Louisiana, but such is the price we pay in the Information Age.
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Mary McNamara can be reached at mary.mcnamara@latimes.com.
