Getting leeway on renewing a driver’s license is tough
Q. I hope you can provide some help with a problem that is likely common for many seniors. A woman at church underwent severe and extended chemo therapy, which fortunately is thus far successful. Her driver’s license expired during the treatment. Five weeks away was the earliest available appointment for renewal at the local Department of Motor Vehicles office. She simply doesn’t have the strength or stamina now to wait hours to complete a non-appointment license renewal. Her doctor wrote a letter stating her condition would not permit a four- to six-hour wait at the DMV; she forwarded the letter with a request for an extension of her driver’s license expiration date that would permit her getting a timely appointment. The request was denied. An extension of three months upon request for any senior unable to make an appointment prior to license expiration would seem a simple solution.
– John S. Mitchell, San Juan Capistrano
A. A DMV spokesman up in Sacramento, Marty Greenstein, told Honk the state does provide extensions for military personnel who are out of state, and those leaving California for less than a year if they apply before their license expires.
But …
“For individuals staying in California, there are no extension options, including for medical reasons,” Greenstein told Honk in an email. “Should a customer reach out to us ahead of time and inquire as to their options when dealing with a particular medical situation, we would happily advise.”
John, your friend could make an appointment as soon as she can get one and just not drive until then, although her expired license might not work as ID with a bank or store.
The DMV has been struggling more than usual with long lines because of the desire of motorists wanting to boost their driver’s licenses to REAL IDs, adding to those already heading into field offices. Hours-long waits have been common. The agency, under pressure, is making changes that officials say are actually already working.
“Our wait times have been steadily declining thanks to new hires and extended service hours (16 offices opening at 7 a.m. four days a week, 62 offices opening every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.),” Greenstein said in another missive. “Yesterday, for example, the average wait for a non-appointment was 35 minutes.
“We’re finding that the waits are particularly short most days after 2 p.m., especially on Saturdays. We also have employees triaging the lines, so customers who might require special assistance can be quickly checked in and seated before being served at an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant service window.”
Q. Honk: When will daytime running lights become mandatory? When I first started driving in the ’40s I thought the car’s lights should be on even during the day.
– Tony Messina, Huntington Beach
A. Honk’s crystal ball is quite cracked. He has no idea.
You probably know that some newer vehicles are equipped with daytime running lights that are on whenever the headlights aren’t.
And you may know that in the Golden State, motorcycles made after 1977 must have headlights that turn on whenever the engine is running.
Also, under state law, motorists behind the wheel of cars and trucks must flip on their headlights any time their windshield wipers are working.
Some countries do required daytime running lights, which many say improve safety because others can see your vehicle better. But a 2008 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration noted that lights take energy, and that can reduce gas mileage a tad.
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.