Ask the DMV: Ways to improve my driving to save money of gas.
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<p><em>Q: Gas is so expensive now. What are some ways I can improve my driving to help save money on gas?<br /><br /> <br /><br />A: Very good question. There are many ways you can save money on gas. Consolidate your trips and plan each destination with conservation in mind. Most cities offer various types of public transportation, from buses to light rail. And if one of your trips is scheduled for the DMV, remember that we offer many services online so you may not need to come in to a field office at all. You can save time ? and money ? by going online at www.dmv.ca.gov.<br /><br /> <br /><br />For the complete list on ways to help conserve fuel, please visit the DMV Web site at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/teenweb/more_btn6/other/smooth.htm.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Q: I live on a busy street in a downtown area. Every night when I come home I make a left turn over two solid yellow lines to reach my driveway. Is this legal, or should I try to change my route allowing me to turn right directly into my driveway?<br /><br /> <br /><br /> A: It is legal to make a left turn across two yellow lines if you are turning into or out of a private driveway, but two solid yellow lines does mean no passing. You may only drive to the left of these lines when:<br /><br /> <br /><br /> * Turning left at an intersection;<br /> * Turning into or out of a private road or driveway;<br /> * In a carpool lane that has a designated entrance on the left;<br /> * Instructed to drive on the other side of the road because your side is closed or blocked. <br /><br /> <br /><br />You can read more about roadway lines and their distinctions in the Driver Handbook online at www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/pgs22thru25.htm.<br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br />Q: Can I change my address and renew my California Driver license online at the same time?<br /><br /> <br /><br /> A: For your protection, the DMV does not allow this. Instead, use the renewal-by-mail option for your driver license and fill out the change of address section on the form.<br /><br /> <br /><br />If you want to change your address and renew your vehicle registration, this can be done online. You will first need to change your address at www.dmv.ca.gov/online/coa/welcome.htm and then confirm the update with the DMV before renewing registration online. The update can take up to three business days or longer. Save Time! Go Online!<br /><br /> <br /><br />Q: What?s the difference between the red and green registration stickers I see on all-terrain-vehicles and four-wheelers?<br /><br /> <br /><br /> A: The red and green stickers are issued on off-highway vehicles (OHVs) based on their compliance with the California Air Resources Board?s emission standards. The stickers limit the use of non-complying OHVs in California OHV riding areas.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Green stickers are issued to OHVs that meet the standards and are cleared for year around use at all California OHV riding areas.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Red stickers are issued to OHVs that are not certified to California OHV emission standards. These vehicles are restricted to designated California OHV riding areas and to seasonal use only.<br /><br /> <br /><br />For more information on the certification program, the red sticker open riding schedule and area parks, visit the California DMV Web site at www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/ohvredgreen.htm.<br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br />Q: For insurance purposes, I would like to get a copy of my driving record to verify my history of traffic infractions and accidents. Can I do this on the DMV Web site?<br /><br /> <br /><br /> A: The department does not currently provide driver record information via the Internet. However, you may request your own driver license or vehicle registration record using our INF1125 Form which can be found at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/inf/inf1125.pdf. A $5 fee is required for each record requested.<br /><br /> <br /><br />The form can be completed online and then printed. You may submit the completed form and fee in person to your local DMV Office, or mail it to: Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 944247, MS G-199, Sacramento, CA 94244-2479.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Q: I was recently in an accident and I was so upset I didn?t think about all the information I should have gotten from the person that hit me. How do I get information on the other party?<br /><br /> <br /><br /> A: Each driver involved in a collision where any person was injured or killed, or where property damage to any one vehicle exceeded $750.00 worth of property damage, must complete a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (form SR1) within 10 days and submit the report to DMV. The report is required even if a law enforcement officer completed a report. You may obtain information about the other driver from the accident report that he or she submitted.<br /><br /> <br /><br />To request this information, complete a Financial Responsibility Document Request form SR 19C (it can be found at www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/sr/sr19c.htm) and mail it to: Department of Motor Vehicles, Financial Responsibility Unit, P.O. Box 942884, Sacramento, CA 942884-0884<br /><br /> <br /><br />Also available are the other driver's insurance information and a photocopy of the accident report and/or certification that the other driver in the accident was not insured (Uninsured Motorist Certificate). A $20 fee is required for each type of information requested.<br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br />Q: I?m a senior citizen and recently lost the ability to drive due to medical complications. Where can I find information on acquiring an identification card? Is there a fee for my new card?<br /><br /> <br /><br />A: For customers over the age of 62, the DMV offers an identification card valid for 10 years for no charge. The card looks likes a driver license, but is used for identification purposes only. The DMV will also exchange a valid license for a no-fee ID card to drivers who are no longer able to drive safely because of a physical or mental condition. Visit (www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#idcard) on the DMV Web site for more information.<br /><br /> <br /><br />The DMV is a department under the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, which is under the direction of Secretary Dale E. Bonner. The DMV licenses drivers, maintains driving records, registers and tracks official ownership of vehicles and vessels, investigates auto and identity-related fraud, and licenses car dealers, driving schools, and traffic violator schools. For more information about the DMV, visit www.dmv.ca.gov. <br /></em></p>