Q: Jeff McKinley of Riverside asked for our thoughts regarding unused trailer hitches being left on pickups around the Inland Empire. He called them a “nuisance.”
“The people who have them on their vehicles probably believe it gives them some extra protection from rear-end collisions,” he said. “And they are correct. I believe the truck owners keep them on just to be annoying and discourteous to other drivers.” McKinley said he has to be careful not to bump into a hitch with his legs or his vehicle in parking lots. “I wish the state would enact a law making unused hitches illegal or put some sort or restriction on the length of the hitches, which make a ridiculously long truck even longer,” he said.
A: First off, we should say that leaving a trailer hitch attached to your vehicle when you’re not towing anything is legal because nothing in the California Vehicle Code makes this illegal. However, it could be a problem for a driver legally if the trailer hitch obstructs the view of the rear license plate, said Officer Dan Olivas of the California Highway Patrol, Inland Division.
In that case, this may be a violation of Vehicle Code section 5201, which says license plates have to be clearly visible and legible.
Other than that, we think – and Olivas agrees – that perhaps some people just leave their trailer hitches on because they use their trailer often, or they simply don’t want to be bothered to remove it. As a courtesy to others, drivers should remove trailer hitches when not in use, Olivas said. All of that being said, be careful to avoid hitting a trailer hitch whenever possible because it will hurt.
Q: Dennis Carlson of Ontario asked for details about the Department of Motor Vehicle’s recent directive regarding drivers over 70 seeking to renew their driver’s license.
A: The DMV announced on Sept. 30 that drivers who are 70 or older no longer have to take a knowledge test to renew their licenses. This is a major policy change (the knowledge test was not required by law). Previously, all drivers had been required to take the knowledge test once their license expired after turning 70. In recent years, seniors also could take the eLearning course instead. This also is no longer required. The idea is to improve customer service and reduce crowds at DMV offices.
Related Articles
Are more people displaying disabled parking placards or license plates, what’s changed?
An office visit is still required for a vision exam and an updated photo for those 70 and older who are renewing a driver’s license. And, all renewing drivers with poor driving records will have to take the test. .
All drivers must still take the knowledge test, or eLearning, if they have:
Two or more accidents during the two years immediately preceding the expiration of the license
Three or more accidents during the three years immediately preceding the expiration
A DUI suspension during the two years immediately preceding the expiration date
Two or more violation points within the two years immediately preceding the expiration
Older drivers with expiring licenses who already received renewal notices which say a knowledge test is required but who are eligible to not take it can have the test waived during their in-office visit.
Do you commute to work in the Inland Empire? Spend a lot of time in your vehicle? Have questions about driving, freeways, toll roads or parking? If so, write or call On the Road and we’ll try to answer your questions. Please include your question or issue, name, city of residence, phone number and email address. Write ontheroad@scng.com or call us at our new phone number, 951-368-9995.