Q: I’m driving Highway 17 southbound from Los Gatos to Santa Cruz. I’m in the fast lane as there’s a huge 18-wheeler in the slow lane. Speeding up next to me comes a car that gets right up to the 18-wheeler and then pivots into the fast lane, cutting me off.
Then I see this car tailgating the car in front of him, which moves over to the slow lane, in back of the huge truck, just to let this jerk pass. Argh. I’m so frustrated.
Then, less than a quarter of a mile further down the road, I see this same car having been pulled over by the CHP!!! I can’t tell you the glee I felt. Made my day.
Bonna Kauffman, Los Gatos
A: I’m sure others have felt that same moment of joy, after dealing with a road hazard on wheels. Justice can be sweet.
Q: I’ve seen two cars recently with black plates with white lettering. I recall a retro option of black plates with gold lettering, but this is new to me. What’s the story?
Dee Danna, San Jose
A: These are digital license plates, which can switch between white-on-black and black-on-white.
The digital plates are part of a DMV pilot program that allows entities to issue alternatives to conventional license plates, stickers, tabs and registration cards.
Recently enacted legislation created an ongoing program for these alternative devices. The DMV is currently developing a permanent program.
Q: The DMV is now issuing license plates beginning with “9” for passenger vehicles. What alpha-numeric numbering system will the DMV use after all the 9’s have been issued?
Vince Lauter, Monterey
A: The DMV is still considering its options for the next license plate configuration. They project that the current “9” configuration is likely to be depleted in 2026.
Q: As my wife and I drove east on Blossom Hill Road, through the construction area at 101, there is an area where the center and right lanes merge, between the traffic light and the overpass over 101. This merge is only marked with faded arrows on the pavement, which are impossible to see in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
My wife was driving in the center lane, trying to merge with every other car, but someone cut her off when they decided to go with the car in front of them. As soon as she braked to avoid the car, someone in back of us felt it necessary to lay on the horn!
This could be somewhat alleviated with a sign indicating the lane merge.
Jim Mardock, San Jose
A: I think you’re right. And the work isn’t done at that new interchange, but will be soon.
Look for Gary Richards at facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at [email protected].
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