Q: Steve Wilson of Forest Falls, in the San Bernardino National Forest, asked about the laws regarding stop signs. “No one comes to a full stop anymore at stop signs,” has the law changed?
A: The law requiring a full and complete stop at stop signs has not changed, regardless of how many drivers fail to fully stop. Every driver must come to a full stop behind the limit line, crosswalk, or entrance to the intersection.
“Rolling stops are a common cause of neighborhood collisions and pedestrian close calls. We encourage all motorists to slow down, stop completely, and take a moment to check for others. Courtesy on the road goes a long way toward keeping our communities safe,” said Officer Ivan Sandoval of the California Highway Patrol Inland Division.
Hard to read plates
Q: Debbie Reott of Beaumont asked why law enforcement officers including various city police, the California Highway Patrol and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department don’t pull over and cite vehicles with license plates she said are hard to read.
“If you were involved in an accident or had an issue where you needed help, there is no way we could give them this information. We are seeing this situation more than ever now. A lot of the license plates are covered with a dark film these days and are very hard to read. Windows are blacked out and we cannot even see who is in the car,” she said.
A: License plates must be clearly visible and unobstructed at all times. Covering or tinting plates with film or a material that makes them unreadable is a violation of California Vehicle Code 5201.1 and can get you a ticket. CHP and local law enforcement do actively enforce this law because clearly visible plates are essential for public safety, collision investigations, and emergency reporting, Officer Sandoval said.
As we have noted many times before in this column with regard to many types of traffic violations, police simply cannot catch every single violator. Members of the public also are not on every road at all times to see what police are doing. This is a reminder to all drivers that they need to ensure their license plates, windows, and lights remain unobstructed.
Driver safety
Finally, the Auto Club is offering a virtual senior driver safety and mobility workshop, “Keeping the Keys,” from 1-2:15 p.m. on Jan. 20. The free online class helps families and senior drivers stay on the road for as long as is safely possible. Registration is required. If you are an Auto Club member and would like to join, RSVP by Jan. 19 at AAA.com/keepingthekeys or call 714-885-2313 for information. Note that attending this workshop will not qualify the driver for an insurance discount. An in-person class also is scheduled for Jan. 27 at the Brea Senior Center, 500 S. Sievers Ave., in Brea; RSVP for this one by Jan. 27.
Do you commute to work in the Inland Empire? Spend a lot of time in your vehicle? Have questions about driving, freeways, toll roads or parking? If so, write or call On the Road and we’ll try to answer your questions. Please include your question or issue, name, city of residence, phone number and email address. Write ontheroad@scng.com or call 951-368-9995.