Q: Those trucks and cars with the huge tires have to be breaking some law on bumper heights. Why aren't they stopped? I have never seen one ticketed. If one hits you, you're dead!
- James Samsel, Riverside
A: Lifted vehicles are not illegal, James, but you do have a valid concern. The legal maximum for the distance of a vehicle's frame from the ground ranges from 23 to 31 inches. The maximum height allowed is dependent on vehicle type and weight.
While lifted vehicles may be the ultimate in head-turning individual expression in transportation, they should be driven by only the most experienced drivers. Lifted vehicles take longer to stop, are more difficult to control, have a higher risk of rollover and have a bumper height that is level to the windows of many vehicles. When I see a teenager behind the wheel of an enormous lifted truck, I cringe. The combination is a recipe for disaster.
Q: I do almost all my own auto repair work (plus family and
neighbors), and I try to educate them about whatever problems they have with their vehicle. Perhaps I can check up on a shop's work order for a fee. Do you think that there is a market for repair referees?
- Kenneth Johnson
A: Sounds like an interesting idea to me, Kenneth. To instill confidence in your future clientele, however, you will probably want to get certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. (ASE) Also, I would like to thank all the readers who sent me the dozens of wonderful, heartfelt recommendations for trustworthy auto mechanics after reading my column about the loss of my honest independent auto mechanic, John. Extra credit, however, goes to Daryl L. Vollrath of Ontario, who suggested readers find pre-screened, ethical repair facilities through AAA's Approved Auto Repair Program. A listing of rigorously screened mechanics is available without charge, either in print at any AAA office or online at www.aaa-calif.com
Q: While driving on the freeway through Pomona at night, I found myself very distracted by an SUV that had blue lights flashing under it and - around the license plate. It would be so easy to stare at those lights and lose your focus on driving. Are these lights really allowed?
- Yin Ling Soo, San Dimas
A: No, Yin Ling, these lights are really not allowed. Flashing, decorative lights of any kind are not legal on vehicles. Fortunately, cars with illegal lights like this also have no trouble catching the eye of the CHP or police, as well.
Correction on March 31st's Q and A: While everyone in a vehicle over the age of 16 can be given their own citation for not wearing a seat belt, whether they have a driver's license or not, under Vehicle Code 23116 (a), an officer may (at their discretion) also cite a driver for transporting unrestrained passengers. To quote the CHP's statewide campaign, "Click It or Ticket."~
Michelle Groh-Gordy is the owner of InterActive! Traffic School Online atwww.trafficinteractive.com , and writes a syndicated weekly column on driving for the publications of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group.
