Question: I've heard that the state of California has raised the cost of some violations an astronomical amount to raise revenue for the state. Is it true that you can get a $3,000 fine for a traffic violation now?
Geraldine Smitts, Ontario
Answer: Yes, Geraldine, I'm afraid it is true that you could get a traffic citation with a $3,000 price tag - but not in California. The state whose motto is "Virginia is for lovers" isn't showing a lot of love for those who violate traffic laws.
As of January 2008, civil charges for certain offenses now range from $750 to $3,000 and are being added to existing fines and court costs. For instance, in Virginia the civil penalty for going 20 mph over the speed limit will be $1,050, plus $61 in court costs and a fine that is typically about $200.
Ouch.
Clever Vanity Plate: Spotted this clever play on words on the license plate of a pearl-colored Cadillac Escalade with several children aboard: TXI CAD (taxi Cad).
Question: If you are legally driving in the car pool lane and slightly exceeding the posted speed limit and some Adam Henry begins tailgating you and flashing his lights, what are you supposed to do? Must you get out of the car pool lane immediately, get out as soon as is legal or continue on your merry way and let him go around you on the right?
Duane
Answer: The law says that you must yield to the right whenever someone behind you starts flashing their lights and/or honking their horn. Even though the law was written for emergency situations - not impatient, irritating, unsafe driving pushy people - you are required to move to the right at the next legal opening.
By the way, the use of the term "Adam Henry" was well-placed, Duane. It is the lingo police use as a nice way to refer negatively to someone - as opposed to the other words which start with the same two initials.
Question: When I am making a right turn and a pedestrian has the "walk" signal, when am I allowed to make my turn? I see people turning as soon as the pedestrian is out of their way and usually when they are only half way across the street. I wait until the pedestrian is completely out of the crosswalk and onto the sidewalk, and I am being honked at. What would be the right and lawful thing to do?
Chandra Pulicari, Rancho Cucamonga
Answer: The vehicle code says that drivers of vehicles have to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. The key word here is "within". As long as the pedestrian is within the crossing, Chandra, let them honk. You are in the right.
Memorable driving moment: A few days ago, I saw a young man lean out of the window of his car at a stop light and yell the following to an attractive girl in the passenger seat of the car next to him whose window was open: "Do you believe in love at first sight? If not, would you mind waiting here while I drive around the block?"
Michelle Pearl is a longtime traffic-school instructor and the owner of InterActive Traffic School Online, www.trafficinteractive.com. Send questions to drivetime@dailybulletin.com or write to DriveTime, c/o the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, PO Box 4000, Ontario, CA 91761. Some reader questions will be answered in print.
