Question: What are the rules for handicapped parking? I see people who don't look handicapped jump out of their vehicles and practically run into stores. -- Alberta Trujillo, Victorville
Answer: It's important to remember, Alberta, that you can't always judge a book by its cover. Some people have disabilities that might not be visible to the naked eye, such as heart trouble, and which might prohibit them from walking distances. However, those who are not disabled and use a disabled parking spot -- "just for a second" -- while they run into establishments are facing a hefty fine of no less than $250. Here's a little bonus information: The fine is exactly the same for anyone who parks in the area with the crosshatched pattern that is next to the disabled parking space.
Question: Is there a device that you can install in a car to keep track of the whereabouts of a teen driver? -- Copper Ashton, Claremont
Answer: Ah, teens. Do we trust them, track them or lock them away somewhere until they are 34? In George Orwell's "1984," everyone was watched constantly by the omnipresent Big Brother. A device on the market -- "Little Brother", from SecuracomGPS -- can send an alert when a driver either goes into or out of a set boundary, or violates a preset speed. Parental surveillance doesn't come cheap, though. Be prepared to shell out around $500 for your added peace of mind.
Question: My friends say you can only enter the diamond lane when there is a broken line, but you can exit at any time. I always thought you could only exit when there is a broken line. Who is right? -- R. Miranda, Upland
Answer: Your friends have chosen to believe one of my favorite urban driving legends. I listened to a radio talk show once and they debated the issue for more than half an hour. Let me save you some time: You are absolutely right and your friends are absolutely wrong. It is illegal to exit or enter a car pool lane unless the lines are white and broken.
Question: I'm from New York, where auto insurance requirements are handled differently. Is it true that here in California, one can purchase insurance one day and cancel it the next with no notification sent to the DMV, and no action taken until an accident occurs or a driver fails to provide proof during a traffic stop? -- John Knowlton
Answer: The Big Apple has a truly effective automobile insurance compliance system, immediately suspending the license and registration of any car registrant whose insurance lapses. Here in the Big Orange, when car owners cancel their insurance or it lapses, the DMV is not notified. However, if a driver does get caught driving without insurance, depending on the circumstances, the penalties can pile up faster than dirty laundry on a weekend: $700 for failure to provide a peace officer evidence of financial responsibility, $134 for driving a vehicle not covered by financial responsibility, and $350 for failure to exchange mandatory information if there is an accident. In addition, there are potential towing and impound fees for anyone involved in a collision without insurance. Our system may not be quite as good here in California, but in the end, everyone pays the piper - one way or another.
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.
