DMV grants more license extensions because of coronavirus
Q. Honk: I have not been able to find out what happens when my driver license expires on my birthday in early June. Because I am going to be 82, I have to appear in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles office. I had an appointment in San Clemente on April 30, which, of course, was cancelled because of the pandemic. I’ve read that expiring licenses through May will be extended 120 days. I tried to call the DMV and the message says, “Call after May 29.” The DMV isn’t making new appointments, so what should I do?
– Sandra Werthe, Laguna Beach
A. At some point, Sandra, you may need to decide if the license is worth heading into an office before this coronavirus is stamped out with a vaccine or you believe the precautions taken by the DMV are enough.
But you won’t have to decide for a while.
Last week, well after you and others plopped similar questions into Honk’s electronic mailbox, the DMV announced some steps that will help:
•Those 70 and older with a non-commercial driver license expiring in June or July are receiving four-month extensions. Motorists in that age group with a license expiring in March, April and May already got that 120-day extension (The March crowd has been given even more time, until July 31).
Cops should know about the extensions, but to make everyone feel more comfortable the DMV is mailing out paperwork so drivers have proof.
•The whippersnappers under 70 with non-commercial licenses expiring in March through July are getting extensions through July 31. Most don’t need to visit an office at this time, and they can take care of business on the DMV’s website: dmv.ca.gov. A paper extension will not be mailed out unless requested online.
•Driving permits expiring in July or August have been extended for six months, or two years from the application date – whatever date is first.
•For those with a commercial license, endorsement or permit with an expiration date in March through June, extensions were granted until June 30.
Q. Honk: If I see someone driving recklessly – such as speeding, or driving in the oncoming-traffic lane to pass people, things like that – I’d like to report them. But without a license plate or even a vehicle description, I don’t see how I can. Any suggestions?
– Lydia Eltringham, Tujunga
A. Just call 911 and provide any info you can.
And it is OK to even pull up the cellphone to an ear if you need to, because emergency calls are exempt under California law. Just be careful.
“If somebody is driving in an unsafe manner, it can be construed as an emergency,” said Vince Ramirez, a California Highway Patrol officer and spokesman for the Altadena station house that serves your community. “We want to get to those individuals before they get in an accident.”
Tell the dispatcher your location, including what the next exit is if you are on a freeway and if the driver is heading north or west, etc.
If you can only say, for example, “The knucklehead is weaving all over the place in a black pickup and appears to be a drunken fool,” that is OK.
“As much information as they have,” Officer Ramirez said.
The dispatcher will broadcast your information to officers in the field so one or more in the area can check out the troubled driver.
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. Twitter: @OCRegisterHonk