A: If a Smog certification is required and you have not had a Smog inspection, you may still pay your registration fees online at www.dmv.ca.gov/online/vrir/vr_top2.htm to avoid any late fees. However, you will not receive your new registration or annual renewal sticker until the Smog information has been received by DMV. Late registration fees are subject to penalties. If you paid your renewal fees prior to acquiring the Smog certification, and you have not received your registration card or sticker, you should call your local DMV or 1-800-777-0133 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. A department representative will check your vehicle record and inform you of the status of your renewal.For more information on Smog certification visit the DMV Web site at www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/smogfaq.htm.Q. I’ve had disabled plates in my old vehicle for several years but recently bought a used car. Can I place my disabled plates in my new car? Do I have to transfer these plates to my new vehicle? A. You can use your Disabled Persons License Plates on your new vehicle. Take both sets of license plates along with the current registration card on your new vehicle to your local DMV field office. The Disabled Persons License Plates will be assigned to your vehicle, and you will receive a new registration card and registration indicia for your vehicle. Appointments are recommended. You may make an appointment on our website at WWW.DMV.CA.GOV or by telephone at 800-921-1117.
“Ask George” Expert Answers to Common DMV Questions
September 23, 2009
Columnist
|
By George Valverde - Director,
California Department of Motor VehiclesDo you have questions about general driving related requirements like registration and insurance? Are you unclear about laws and restrictions related to driving? The California Department of Motor Vehicles has answers. “Save Time by Going Online,” at www.dmv.ca.gov. Q: Is it true California now has a ban on smoking in cars when children are present? A: Yes. On Jan 1, 2008 a law went into effect banning smoking in a motor vehicle any time there is a minor present in a vehicle. Those caught violating the law will face up to a $100 fine. This is a secondary offense, meaning authorities cannot pull someone over only for smoking with a minor present. Violators can be cited if they are pulled over for other infractions and are also smoking in the presence of a minor. Information about this and other new laws going into effect in 2008 can be found on the DMV Web site at www.dmv.ca.gov/about/leg/leginfo.htm.Q: How close is too close when following someone on the roadways? A: In ideal driving conditions, the “three-second rule” can help you make sure you are being safe, following traffic laws and not being a tailgater. When the vehicle ahead of you passes a certain point such as a street or traffic sign, count “one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three.” If you pass the same point before you finish counting, you are following too closely. During inclement weather, you will need to allow more distance between you and the person in front of you. You can read more about not tailgating and other safe driving practices in the California Driver Handbook online at www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/pgs33thru41.htm.Q: What if my registration is due with a Smog certification but the repairs needed for my car to pass Smog will take me past the due date?
