Question: Last week, my husband's car broke down on the freeway on his way home from work. When we went back to pick it up the next evening, his car had already been impounded and he had to pay big money to get it out. Is there some kind of time limit on how long you can leave your car on the side of the freeway? – Janet Villily, San Bernardino
Answer: First the breakdown, then the impound. It probably felt like they added insult to injury. Unfortunately, the law is clear on this one, Janet. You can leave a disabled vehicle on the side of the freeway a maximum of four hours before it can be towed away.
Heartbreaking Reader Comment: I read your column on cell phones and drivers who use them. Last year, my son saw a lady who was using a cell phone run over a 12-year-old boy on a bicycle. My son tried in vain to ease the boy's discomfort. He died, evertheless. I wholeheartedly support the bill that would change the way we talk on cell phones when driving. – Shelli Bradley
Question: I seem to recollect reading many years ago that a California state police (CHP) vehicle must be painted black and white. Is that recollection accurate? – Ken Rowland, Claremont
Answer: In California , state law requires most standard Highway Patrol vehicles to be painted black, with a white roof and white doors. However, in 2002, some special, low-profile, all-white Chevrolet Camaros were added to the fleet to aid in the enforcement of trucking laws, though they can also be used for general patrol duties.
Cool Biker Suggestion: I saw a question in your column recently about tripping the light at intersections when riding a motorcycle. I had the same problem on my ride to work. I discovered that if I stopped the bike on the trip circle that is before the limit line, instead of going all the way up to the one at the limit line, I get a green light every time. In other words, act as if you are the second vehicle and stop on the second trip circle. If a car does come up behind me before the light changes, then I go ahead and roll forward to the line. – Larry Ames, Pomona
Question: Every morning, I have to take my daughter to Serrano Middle School. Each and every morning, it never fails that some impatient driver will get in the far right lane that has a "turn only" arrow and two signs that say, "Right lane MUST turn right," and go straight so they can cut off the rest of the traffic. It drives me nuts! What is the fine for this? – Tricia Maier
Answer: The white regulatory signs with rules and laws on them are not subject to interpretation. "Right lane must turn right" does not mean "Right lane must turn right unless the traffic is really backed up and you're running late, at which time all bets are off and you can do whatever you want." The citation for failure to obey signs and signals is $134 in most California counties, Tricia.
Made me chuckle: I recently noticed a woman driving a Hummer H2 in Riverside. It appears she might have faced some prior criticism with regard to her choice of transportation in today's politically charged, gas-sensitive climate. As a deterrent to would-be comment-makers, spelled out in large, white vinyl letters on the back window of her vehicle, she had placed the following pre-emptive strike: "The only person I have to answer to is God."
