Are these offensive signs on overpasses even legal? Roadshow

Q: I’m not sure what the protocol is on private signage for freeway pedestrian or vehicle overpasses, but for several Fridays, a group has plastered political signs, flags and messages on an overpass visible to people going south on Highway 101 before Cochrane Road in Morgan Hill.

Unlike pleasant signs thanking firefighters for rescuing communities, these signs provoke a variety of reactions, and are a real distraction for drivers.

What really ticked me off recently was one sign that read “Pray for LGBTQ.” The small-minded, homophobic prejudice of these folks was clear in all the signs there that day. I’m not LGBTQ, but this made me so angry.

If one group is allowed access to this public forum, it’s only fair that on alternate weeks, opposing opinions should be covered.

Better yet, let’s keep political and religious beliefs off overpasses. Is this legal? Your thoughts and suggestions please.

Cindy Brown, Hollister

A: I definitely understand your concern. This issue may get worse as we near midterm elections. In another situation, antisemitic signs were posted on an overpass near UC Davis last weekend. Handling of signs on overpasses is left to the discretion of Caltrans, CHP and local law enforcement.

Q: A sign outside the downtown post office on West St. John Street declares that road improvements will be completed in 2017! Would you guess it’s time to take the sign down?

Goetz Brandt, San Jose

A: You made me laugh. Yes, this sign has outlived its usefulness. It will be removed soon.

Q: I live near Bascom Avenue and Interstate 880. Vehicles going from northbound Bascom Avenue onto northbound 880 always speed up, without yielding to vehicles entering the same onramp from southbound Bascom.

I noticed that the yield sign is not noticeable at all, and almost on the ground. Can you point me to the right authorities to get this sign fixed?

Murali Kolli

A: This is a Caltrans issue. I have alerted them about this.

Q: Happy September, almost. My husband and I were talking about all-electric cars and the pros and cons of them. Your column helped a lot. We’re hesitant to go all-electric, due to the battery issues we hear about, And then there is the issue of charging. Given that, what about a Prius?

Jane Parks-McKay, Santa Cruz

A: Hybrid sales are expected to increase, as they do not fall under California’s ban by 2035 on sales of vehicles powered by gas only.

The California Air Resources Board’s recently-passed Advanced Clean Cars II rule sets the state on a path so that by 2035, 100% of new cars and light trucks sold in California will be zero-emission vehicles, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.