Q: My license expires this month and I am required to go to a DMV office to renew it. I am under 70. Does that mean I will not get the automatic one-year extension that those 70 or older are getting? … The DMV says that if you’ve already renewed by mail twice as I have, renewing by that method isn’t allowed. … The DMV advised me to go online to make an appointment to renew my license. New appointments are not available. What to do, Mr. Roadshow?
Judy O’Regan, Alfredo Paragas, Teri Burgess, Evelyn Liebgold and trillions more
A: There’s good news. The state has issued extensions to drivers age 69 and younger with a license, as well. The DMV says nearly all drivers younger than 70 can avoid a trip to a field office by renewing online or by mail, even if their renewal notice states that an office visit is required. This also covers drivers who have reached their maximum out-of-office renewals. No need to fret about not getting an appointment during COVID-19.
Drivers applying for a REAL ID for the first time still must visit a field office. REAL ID applicants should fill out the online application and upload required documents before their office visit.
Q: What is the rule concerning pedestrians, whether in a crosswalk or jaywalking, when that pedestrian waves me, the driver, to proceed?
Shin Nakazawa, San Mateo
A: The pedestrian always has the right of way. In this case, stop and let the pedestrian proceed.
Q: Last week, I had one of the scariest road incidents I’ve ever experienced in my long driving career. I was driving on Highway 1 south of Pescadero, where it’s a 55 mph two-lane road along the ocean. I like to drive about 60, which typically matches the flow of traffic.
At one point, there were three cars ahead of me, with the guy just ahead continually turning his head to see all the wonderful sights, driving at about 47 mph. He was in a fairly new BMW. I have an ordinary vehicle with decent acceleration, but it’s no sports car. There was room ahead of the BMW, so I pulled out to pass. The other driver’s response? He sped up to ensure I could not complete the pass.
It got worse. I slowed so I could get behind him, but he slowed to box me out. An approaching car pulled off the road ahead to give me more room. At the last second, I was able to pull back in my lane. I did not try to pass again.
David Rubinfeld
A: The BMW driver’s moves were stupid, selfish, and dangerous.
Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat noon Wednesday at www.mercurynews.com/live-chats. Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920-5335.
