Question: Newer cars, primarily from the "Big 3" in Detroit, as well as foreign manufacturers, seem to have no place on the front bumper to mount a license plate. Does the California Vehicle Code still require front license plates to be displayed on passenger vehicles?
– Jim Skladany, San Bernardino
Answer: The law absolutely requires every passenger vehicle in California to have both a front and rear license plate, although these plates do not have to be placed directly on the bumper. However, some vehicle drivers have decided that their car or truck looks more interesting with no plate, or with a stylized brand logo plate adorning the front. Have no fear though, Jim. They are likely to change their outlook when they receive their first citation for this violation.
Fine Facts: If you meet someone by "accident," you are required to get personal with the other driver. A citation for failure to exchange mandatory information at the scene of an accident will set you back $350.
Question: To dissuade vehicle theft, some people say to cover the VIN on their car. Is this even legal in California?
– Ed, Highland
Answer: The law in California says you cannot alter your vehicle identification number. Nowhere does it specify that you can't temporarily cover it up. Covering the VIN once was suggested as a means of keeping thieves from using your VIN number to have duplicate copies of your vehicle's keys created at a dealership.
However, this method of discouraging theft was discounted long ago, Ed. Most thieves would rather not go through the hassle of going to a car dealership and exposing their identity to acquire a duplicate key. Sadly, if a thief wants your vehicle, covering up the VIN is not going to do a bit of good.
Today's high-tech thieves can find your VIN on the Internet or use computer devices to outsmart "smart" keys. Some thieves have even found their own means of duplicating your keys without knowing your VIN.
Fine Facts: If you are a pedestrian and patience is not one of your virtues, you should be aware that you can receive a $99 fine for a violation of "Walk" or "Wait" signals.
Question: I could relate to your column, "Driving parents up a wall." I am constantly telling my 16-year-old daughter to move to the left! However, we did not have good luck with the driving instructor that she had. He was actually on his phone or reading the newspaper all three days she was with him, and he did not teach her anything. How might I turn in this fraud of an instructor?
– Charlene Bertinotti, Fontana
Answer: You can report the slacker driving instructor directly to the Department of Motor Vehicles, Charlene. They actually have an entire division that handles complaints like these.
You will need to make your complaint on a form, OL 620, which can be obtained by calling the Driving School and Traffic Violator School Complaint Unit at (916) 229-3154 or by visiting your nearest DMV.
Fine Facts: So you've let all of your relatives and friends know that you have moved. Ah, but have you told your pals at the DMV? Failure to notify DMV with your address change within 10 days can get you a $134 housewarming gift from your local law enforcement agency – in the form of a citation.
Michelle Groh-Gordy is the owner of InterActive! Traffic School Online at www.trafficinteractive.com , and writes a syndicated weekly column on driving for the publications of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group.
