Q: This previous week I used to be driving on westbound I-80 in Berkeley at round 3:30 pm on a weekday. I used to be within the lane subsequent to the diamond lane. I regarded in my rear-view mirror. A bike was lane-splitting between the diamond lane and my lane. OK, no drawback? Proper.
Undecided why you'd lane-split when there are two lanes touring at completely different speeds. This rider had on a inexperienced security vest, much like these utilized in some European international locations for police and security officers. Once more no drawback? Fallacious.
The motorbike had two vibrant amber-greenish lights that had been flashing. Sure, you could possibly see the lights and the motorbike. Nonetheless, from what I might inform, he was not regulation enforcement. I simply need to know whether it is acceptable on California highways to make use of flashing lights on a non-law-enforcement motorbike.
John Caldwell, El Sobrante, CA
A: Headlights should be inexperienced or yellow. Nonetheless, there are instances, reminiscent of lane splitting, when riders might use different methods to make themselves extra seen. These might embrace using completely different coloured lights — which isn't really useful, but it surely occurs.
Utilizing flip alerts as warning gadgets is a unique problem, advises Bruce-the-former-traffic-cop. “We have now all seen motorcyclists lane-splitting and utilizing their four-way-flashers as warning gadgets to assist alert drivers of their method. Not a foul concept, actually, however not authorized, both, for my part,” he mentioned.
Q: A authorized query so that you can kind out. I've a handicap placard for my use. A good friend I often experience with has one within the automobile for his spouse. Is it authorized for him to place up her placard when she shouldn't be there and I exploit my certification paperwork that I obtained with my placard? Briefly, will my paperwork validate using her placard?
Richard Steele, Hollister CA
A: No. So as so that you can use a handicap placard, the quantity on the placard should match the quantity on the certification paperwork offered when your placard was issued.
Q: In San Jose, when driving south on Freeway 87 to make the flip onto northbound Interstate 280, there's a sharp curve. Repeatedly, the yellow sand barrels are crushed the place somebody has been going too quick, missed the flip and hit the barrels. On the method to the flip, there must be indicators telling individuals to sluggish for the curve. Can Caltrans put “sluggish, curve forward” indicators there?
A: Thanks for flagging this. The 87-280 interchange will get a variety of complaints. Caltrans has obtained your grievance and can look into it to make some enhancements later this 12 months.
Search for Gary Richards at Fb.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.