Ticketing scofflaws parking in disabled-person spots takes a pro
Q. Hey Honk: How do I get me one of them Department of Motor Vehicle investigator badges? Possibly as a reserve or a deputy. That way, when I confront a scofflaw parking in a handicap-designated spot, when they verbally confront me about minding my own business, I can then whip out my credentials and ticket book and say, “Suck it up, Buttercup.” Why not deputize thousands of retired folks who must notice this nasty crime happening all of the time? The DMV could administer a basic test, prescribe the rules that must be applied before ticketing someone, then issue them some paper ID.
– Gary Turnbeau, Yorba Linda
A. Your intentions are spot-on, Gary – Honk gets real irritated when he sees such violators.
But those badges are hard to come by.
The DMV has 240 sworn peace officers – full-fledged cops – throughout the state who can cite offenders for, among other things, wrongly parking in those spots.
Any volunteer or part-time DMV program with participants able to cite would have to be approved by the California Legislature, and participants would need to undergo extensive training.
“While there are no (such DMV) volunteer programs, other law enforcement and parking enforcement personnel can also issue citations,” DMV spokesman Jaime Garza told Honk in an email. “The DMV sometimes teams up with local jurisdictions and organizations.
“For example, we have teamed up with Indio PD to execute enforcement during Coachella and Stagecoach (concerts); Pasadena at the Rose Bowl; Pomona Fairplex during the L.A. County Fair,” he said.
Garza wanted to remind those in Honkland that not all disabilities are apparent, and if you want to learn more about the placards and license plates, go to dmv.ca.gov. Type “disabled person” into the search bar.
Gary, the public can always call a non-emergency number for the local police agency and see if it can roll out and cite the offender; an officer may be nearby.
Q. Hi Honk: I was recently driving on the northbound 405 Freeway through Huntington Beach, where there is a lot of construction going on. A Caltrans truck kicked up a rock and cracked my windshield. Can I file a claim to Caltrans? What are the odds the agency will pay for the damage?
– Cynthia Galli
A. You certainly can file a claim with Caltrans’ office in Orange County by calling 657-328-6400, spokeswoman Angela M. Madison said. Google the phone number and you can find the form, too.
Statistically, well, overall those who file claims don’t do well.
Last year, 255 claims were filed for various things against Caltrans in Orange County, requesting a total of $375,564.74, the agency’s stats show.
Of that, three to 12 claims were paid out – an exact figure was difficult to tell by looking at a spread sheet – for a total payout of $13,502.84.
If you get turned down, Cynthia, Honk supposes you could try the justice system.
Honkin’ fact: Stanton recently joined the groundswell of cities using automatic license-plate readers by leasing eight, at $2,000 apiece, for a year, according to city documents. They are affixed to light poles on Beach Boulevard and Katella Avenue. When they spot plates on reported stolen cars, vehicles with Amber Alerts on them or any other vehicle being sought by officers, real-time alerts are sent to the police.
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