A: The plate that you saw is the California Firefighter license plate and can only be issued to a vehicle currently owned and registered to an active or retired California Firefighter. The fees collected from Firefighter License Plates are deposited in the California Firefighters Memorial fund, which was created and sponsored by the California Professional Firefighters. Upon applying for the plates, you will be asked for proof of eligibility, which you can provide by presenting a fire department ID card, an IAFF membership card, or CFF Call Back Association membership cardQ: My son just turned 15 ˝ and got his learner permit. He left his wallet in his pants pocket and his permit was ruined in the wash. Is there a way for him to get a replacement?A: Yes, but the process is a little more involved than just going to get his permit printed again. Since your son’s learner permit was ruined, he must apply for a duplicate. First, he needs to complete a Driver License and/or Identification Card application (DL 44) form and since he is under 18, both parent(s) or guardian(s) must sign the application form. The department does not provide the DL 44 or DL 44C online because original signatures are required on the form, and each DL 44 or DL 44C contains a unique barcode which must be scanned or keyed by the DMV employee. He will have to go to a DMV field office to apply again, but to minimize the time standing in line, log on to www.dmv.ca.gov and click the Appointments link under the Online Services tab to make an appointment.Q: I am a car enthusiast and routinely perform car customizations on cars. While driving yesterday I saw a car that had black covers on its tail lights and I’d like to do the same to my car. Is there any problem covering my tail lights with covers?A: Unfortunately, the blacked out or “smoked” tail lights you saw on that car are not legal. According to Vehicle Code section 24600(e), as found under The Vehicle Code List of Violations, tail lamp-red, must be visible at 500 ft., and for any vehicle manufactured after 1/1/1969, the tail lamps must be visible at 1,000 ft. It is not legal to drive with your tail lights not fully visible at all times and if you do, you will likely be issued a ticket.The Vehicle Code List of Violations can be found on www.dmv.ca.gov by clicking the Publications tab then clicking Vehicle Code Title Page, then Vehicle Code Divisions. For more information on renewing your registration or license, or to even to make an appointment at the DMV, visit www.dmv.ca.gov today.Q: How do I become eligible to renew my driver license over the Internet or telephone?A: The criterion is the same as that for the Renewal by Mail Program except that the DMV must have already verified your Social Security Number through the Social Security Administration. If your driver license renewal notice offers the Renewal by Mail option and contains an Internet Renewal Identification Number, you qualify. You cannot use the internet or telephone renewal option if you have a change of address or change in personal description. You can utilize the internet to complete the renewal of your driver license at http://www.dmv.ca.gov or by telephone at 1-800-921-1117.“Save Time by Going Online” with the DMV at www.dmv.ca.gov. 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.
“Ask George”
April 18, 2008
Expert Answers to Common DMV Questions
Santa Paula News
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By George Valverde
Director, California Department of Motor VehiclesSACRAMENTO – Do you have questions about general driving related requirements like registration or insurance? Are you unclear about laws and restrictions related to driving? The California Department of Motor Vehicles has answers. “Save Time, Go Online,” at www.dmv.ca.gov. Now, readers can submit any DMV-related questions to askdmv@dmv.ca.gov! Q: I have had really bad driving luck the last two years and have been involved in four accidents, but I believe that only one of them was my fault. I have heard that the DMV has a points system and that you get points applied to your driving record for accidents. Is it true that if you have a certain number of points, your license can be suspended?A: Once you are licensed to drive in California it is important that you continue to follow all the laws and practice safe driving habits. If you start accumulating tickets for moving violations, which count as one or two points on your driving record depending on the nature of the violation, you may be considered a negligent operator and may lose your privilege to drive.Most driving offenses, such as hit and run, reckless driving, and driving under the influence, are designated as two points and will remain on your record for seven years to ten years (DUI) from the date you received the violation. Most other offenses are designated as one point and will remain on your record for three years from the violation date. Any “at fault” accident is normally counted as one point. You will be considered a negligent operator if your driving record shows any of the following point count totals:1. Four points in 12 months, or1. Six points in 24 months, or1. Eight points in 36 monthsFor more information about how to keep your driver license in good standing, visit the DMV Web site at www.dmv.ca.gov, and click on the Driver License tab then on More Driver License Information.Q: I took my driver license picture a few weeks ago and just received it in the mail. The picture on my new license is extremely dark and every time I show my license to someone, there are doubts to whether or not it is authentic. Is there any way I can retake the picture without waiting for it to expire?A: If you are having trouble using your driver license for proper identification purposes, you may file for a duplicate license or ID card. To do this, you will need to complete application form (DL 44). The department does not provide the DL 44 or DL 44C online because original signatures are required on the form, and each DL 44 or DL 44C contains a unique barcode which must be scanned or keyed by the DMV employeewww.dmv.ca.gov/forms/forms.htm. Make an appointment at www.dmv.ca.gov to visit a DMV field office where you can pay the application fee, submit the application, give a thumb print, and have your picture taken again. To ensure your identity is secure, the DMV will validate your photograph, social security number, and your personal information. You will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. This and more information can be accessed on the DMV Web site at www.dmv.ca.gov. Just click the Driver License tab, then Renewal, Duplicate, and Changes. Q: I recently saw a car that has a firefighter on the license plate. Can you tell me how you get these and what they mean?
