By Mike Marando, Communications Director
California Department of Motor Vehicles
SPECIAL TO THE VALLEY VIEW VOICE
February 19th, 2009
Are you a teen with questions about how to get your provisional driver permit or California driver license? Do you have questions about general driving related requirements like registration or insurance? The California Department of Motor Vehicles has answers. For more information, visit the DMV Web site for teens at www.DMV.ca.gov/teenweb.
Q: I have a classic car that I plan to spend the next few years rebuilding and it is not currently running. Since I won’t be driving it any time soon, do I still need to register it? If so, what is the procedure?
A: No, you do not have to register your vehicle, but you are required to file for a Planned Non-Operational status to be placed on your vehicle. Non-operational means that the vehicle will not be driven, towed, stored, or parked on public roads or highways for the entire registration year. Your renewal notice has a section designated for you to check that indicates you want the non-operational status marked on your vehicle’s record. The Planned Non-Operation (PNO) fee must be sent to DMV with the bottom portion of the renewal notice on which you have checked the Planned Non-Operation box. If you are eligible to renew your registration online, you can file for your PNO and pay using the same information at www.dmv.ca.gov. Click Vehicle Registration Renewal and follow the quick and easy steps, and remember to check the Planned Non-Operational box! Log on today!
Q: I have recently received several emails related to new driving laws, specifically the text messaging act and the date in which it will be enforced. Is there an actual Web site where I can verify all of these rumors?
A: DMV’s online resource, www.dmv.ca.gov, has a page devoted to the newest laws in 2009, including the enforcement date of the new text messaging law. The new text messaging law prohibits writing, sending or reading text-based communication on an electronic communication device while driving, effective January 1, 2009. For a list of other current or upcoming laws and enforcement dates, visit www.dmv.ca.gov and click the DMV Info tab, then click New Laws. The governor recently signed into law SB 33, effective July 1, 2008, which also makes it unlawful for a minor under 18 years of age to use any mobile service device such as cell phones – hands free or not, and other wireless devices while driving.
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 employee. 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.
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.
