Q. A couple of years ago I got Real ID on my driver’s license. The Department of Motor Vehicles guy surprised me when he had me remove my glasses for the photo — I’ve always worn my glasses for my California driver’s license photos. For some stupid reason, my “perplexed” expression came through in the photo and I HATE it. It’s that bad. Am I able to get my photo redone on my card, or am I doomed to forever cower in embarrassment when handing it to someone who needs to see it?
— Dan Eder, Cypress
A. You can switch out the photo, Dan, but it will cost you a few bucks and some time.
Californians can request a new photo for a driver’s license or a state-issued ID card, a DMV representative assured Honk.
You can apply online for a replacement, pay the fee and head out to a DMV field office to get a new shot of that handsome mug and wait for it to arrive in the mail, with the DMV saying that would take four to six weeks.
If Honk’s abacus is working, this chore, besides the time, will set you back 30 bucks.
Two lawmakers, at different times in recent years, proposed allowing Californians to request the DMV to take an extra photo or two for the driver’s license, at perhaps $5 a pop, so motorists could choose the best one. Those attempts bellied up.
Q. We live in unincorporated county territory and have a problem with an abandoned vehicle. It has been parked at the curb in the neighborhood for more than a month. It appears to be inoperable, with a flat tire and front-end damage with no grill, bumper or headlights. Obviously, it is an eyesore and needs to be towed. Suggestions would be appreciated.
— Orange County resident
A. Honk reached out to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and a couple of officials helped him get the goods.
To report any abandoned or otherwise illegally parked vehicle in areas the deputies patrol, such as in unincorporated stretches, just call the agency’s non-emergency number: 714-647-7000.
The Sheriff’s Department will dispatch a deputy or a community services officer to take a look-see.
Vehicles in unincorporated areas aren’t suppose to sit in the same spot on a public road for more than 72 consecutive hours. They can be cited and eventually towed.
Now, the Sheriff’s Department would first go out and stick an orange tag on the vehicle — telling the owner to move it or face a citation and/or towing. The ground around one of the tires would be marked, and the 72-hour clock would start ticking.
But, under state law, a deputy sergeant told Honk, vehicles missing parts or which can’t be driven can be towed right away.
Some public agencies might wait for a resident to call and report that a car has been on a street too long, or a truck is up on blocks. But the Orange County Sheriff’s Department says its deputies and community services officers are on the lookout for troubled, parked vehicles while on patrol, in addition to often fielding calls from the public about such problems.
One thing to remember — in addition to the unincorporated areas in Orange County, the Sheriff’s Department is the police agency for 13 cities, and those governments might have different stances on how long a vehicle can park on a public roadway before moving.
Honk suspects the 72-hour limit, though, is commonplace.
To ask Honk questions, reach him at honk@ocregister.com. He only answers those that are published. To see Honk online: ocregister.com/tag/honk. Twitter: @OCRegisterHonk
Source: Orange County Register
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