DMV helping those needing to renew ID during coronavirus pandemic
Q. Dear Honk: I read your article on driver license extensions during the coronavirus pandemic. Do the same measures apply to the ID cards used for identification for cashing checks, using credit cards, etc? Expired ID does not fare well anywhere.
– Don Sison, Irvine
A. There are differences, but Gov. Gavin Newsom‘s executive order does include help for those with Department of Motor Vehicles-issued identification cards that are up for renewal in March, April or May.
If you were suppose to go into an office to get a new photo and renew your ID, go to dmv.ca.gov instead.
And be real thankful. You won’t age from having to endure a DMV office – or age at all, in fact.
Or at least your photo won’t – the DMV will use your old mugshot.
For those who might consider getting such an ID after the coronavirus pandemic, Marty Greenstein, a DMV spokesman in Sacramento, offered up some info:
“ID cards can be issued at any age,” he said. “Starting at age 62, Californians are eligible for a no-fee senior identification card.”
Otherwise, a state ID generally costs $32 to get or to renew.
Q. What is the purpose of the sharp, chrome spikes some trucks have on their wheels? Are they legal?
– Jim Ranii, Fullerton
A. Honk went to a veteran trucker for their purpose.
“They are strictly decorative,” said John Dunson, who lives in Santa Ana and drove a truck for 47 years before retiring.
The lug-nut covers, which boast various designs, come in plastic or metal and snap or screw on.
“Some look like acorns,” Dunson said. “I had them on all of my trucks.”
John wasn’t at risk of getting his 18-wheeler pulled over by a smokey bear (police officer, in trucker parlance) while in the granny lane (slow lane) in Shakytown (Los Angeles) or anywhere else.
No, sir.
The lug-nut covers are legal, said Tino Olivera, an officer and spokesman for the California Highway Patrol out off its Santa Ana office.
“But if the width of the truck is greater than 102 inches, then it is a violation,” Olivera said.
Those fancy decorations, of course, don’t stick out very far.
Honkin’ fact: Nuro last week was awarded the first California permit allowing the operation of light-duty delivery trucks without anyone in them. The DMV is allowing two of its driver-less vehicles to roll about on public roads in certain parts of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.
The trucks can go only 25 mph on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less, and when the weather is good.
One other company has a driver-less permit for cars. Sixty-five outfits have permits to test autonomous vehicles in the state, but a safety driver must be aboard their vehicles who can take over. Autonomous vehicles are getting tested outside of California as well.
To ask Honk questions, reach him at honk@ocregister.com. He only answers those that are published. To see Honk online: ocregister.com/tag/honk.