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   tem of law that is used in Mexico, South America, and some European
   countries!

   3.  In the "administrative review", the issuing officer does not have
   to appear to testify or to be questioned.

   4. The owner of the vehicle is jointly liable with the driver for the
   parking ticket; although, an exemption is given to bona fide leasing
   or rental companies.  This means that the owner of the vehicle is
   going to have to pay the fine in order to renew his registration, and
   his only recourse may be to file a legal action against the operator
   of the vehicle.  This is not an equal application of the law when pri-
   vate owners are held responsible for another person's actions, yet
   rental companies are exempt.

   5. The issuing agencies can get an automatic civil judgment against
   the owner of the vehicle merely by paying the court filing fee ($182
   which of course is added to the amount the owner has to pay).  The is-
   suing agency doesn't have to present any evidence to get this judg-
   ment.  The agency can then seize a Citizen's property, garnish wages,
   or use any other civil method to collect.

   6. The procedure for the "administrative review" is not clearly
   specified in the bill.  The bill provides that the initial request to
   contest the parking ticket can be made by telephone, mail, or in per-
   son.  This results in an internal investigation the results of which
   must be mailed to the person who contested the ticket.  Next is the
   "administrative review", where the accused must state in writing his
   or her reasons why the ticket was in error.  The bill gives the person
   the option of having the actual review conducted in person before the
   examiner or by mail.

   The administrative review procedure is going to be different in each
   jurisdiction, and from what I have found out so far in San Diego
   County many of the jurisdictions are not even planning to follow the
   statute.  They are going to require people to go to some office in
   person during business hours to request the initial investigation, or
   they are not going to allow in person administrative reviews before
   the examiner.

   7.  If the accused does not like the results of the administrative
   review, then with a $25 filing fee, a new trial or so called "trial de
   novo" can be heard in municipal court.  The municipal court is sup-
   posed to use the same revised civil procedure as in the administrative
   review, and the entire record from the issuing agency can be admitted
   as evidence.  This is not a "new trial."  The admittance into evidence
   of the issuing agencies file means that the accused is having to
   sacrifice his 5th amendment rights against self-incrimination.  Also
   since the issuing officer will not have to be in court, there still is
   no way to rebut the issuing agency's case.  This is no trial.

   8.  The examiners for the administrative reviews are not even required
   to be lawyers, let alone judges, and so do not have the ability to in-
   terpret issues of law.  The accused will have to take the additional
   time and expense to appeal any case that require a legal determination
   to the municipal court.  But the person must be very careful not to
   incriminate his or herself in the administrative hearing.

   9. The City of Oceanside is acting as the processing agency for vir-
   tually all north county cities.  The San Diego Mediation Center has
   been hired to provide the administrative hearings.  A Citizen who
   wants to contest a parking ticket must a pay in addition to the fine a
   $22.50 fee to get an administrative hearing!  Of course there is
   precedent for this:  It was customary in England for the condemned to
   tip the executioner.




Insurance

29.How much insurance must a driver carry?

   from the Spring 1991 DMV California Driver Handbook:

   California's COMPULSORY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LAW requires every DRIVER
   and OWNER of a motor vehicle to maintain financial responsibility.  There
   are four forms of financial responsibility:

   o Coverage by a motor vehicle liability insurance policy [of at least
     $15,000/30,000/5,000].
   o A deposit of $35,000 with DMV.
   o A bond for the same amount (although generally bonds are unavailable).
   o DMV approved self-insurance.


30.Do insurance companies have to be licensed in CA?  How can I tell if one is?

   from ostubble@agsm.ucla.edu (Otha Stubblefield III) on Oct 24 1992:

   Today's Los Angeles Times (10/23/92) carries an article on unlicensed
   insurers in its business section on page D1.  This article does not apply
   solely to car insurance.  Summary:

   The unlicensed insurance business is booming in California, with sales
   increasing by a factor of 30 since 1988.  However, complaints have also
   increased by a factor of 100.  Many consumers are finding that they have
   been paying claims to nothing more than a PO Box operation, and it is almost
   impossible to have a claim processed, especially if the company has
   surreptitiously folded.  Insurers using state-licensed agencies are
   protected from insolvency by a fund.  Also, the state has no power over
   unlicensed companies, that are often found to be based outside of the U.S.
   State law prohibits unlicensed insurers from selling in the state, unless
   the policyholder cannot find similar coverage from a licensed carrier.  Only
   certain brokers (surplus-line carriers) are authorized by the state to sell
   out-of-state policies, and that those brokers should be checking these
   companies solvency.  The State does acknowledge, though, that some people
   are not checking due to negligence or that they just don't care.  You can
   find out if a certain carrier is ok by calling the Ca Insurance Consumer
   line at 800-927-HELP.

   End Summary:

   The article does not mention the penalties for using one of these companies,
   namely suspension of your license if you are found to be using one for the
   financial responsibility requirement (liability insurance).  The state and
   DMV will consider you uninsured for the period that you were using them.
   They also do not mention that a companies' status (licensed to unlicensed)
   may change without notification to the consumer.


31.Can my insurer legally ask me for my roommates' names and license numbers?

   from billk@cats.ucsc.edu (Bill Karwin) on 18 Mar 1993:

   I called 1-800-927-HELP and the answer is yes, the insurance company does
   have a right to ask for the id's of the housemates if they are to be
   occasional drivers.  The only alternative is to exclude these housemates
   from coverage, by providing their names (not their driver's license #).


32.What's the net.recommendation for motorcycle insurance?

   gwu@esl.com (George Wu) received the following replies to this request
   of 30 sep 1991:
   Having just purchased my first bike (Yamaha SRX 250), I now need to get
   insurance.  Since it's not worth that much, I'm just going to get liability.
   CSAA (California AAA) must think motorcycles are dangerous or something,
   since they won't insure it.

   from abp@goedel.arc.nasa.gov (Andy Philips):
   McGraw Hill Insurance Services: 415-780-4841
   Call Melody x3021 and tell her I sent you, she may or may not remember me.

   from georgeb@zimmer.CSUFresno.EDU (George Barbary):
   The best deal I got on insurance was from Mcgraw-Hill.  There is a startup
   fee of approximately $40. Then the premium was $86 for six months. I had
   minimum coverage.  This rate is for Fresno. It may vary in the Bay area.

   from chaney@leland.stanford.edu (Ken chaney):
   State Farm is reputed to have "best" rates for single males under 30.  I
   heard this from a AAA agent, who gave me a quote.  Don't know why they won't
   give you one.  Perhaps I'm mistaken and the quote was for my car.  At any
   rate, it was higher than the premium I pay State Farm (single male age 25).

   from karen@brahms.AMD.COM (Karen Black):
   I've insured my SR250 (and GB500) through State Farm.  When I started, I was
   paying about $250 for 100/50/100, uninsured motorist, comp and collision.
   Now I'm in State Farm Mutual and paying $160 for liability and uninsured
   motorist.  I've been very happy with State Farm.

   from tamecat@yoda.eecs.wsu.edu (Walter Dryfoos):
   I'd suggest that you give Coupin Insurance on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland a
   call.  They always found me the best deal on my bikes.  They're an
   independent agent, so they have lots of options.

   from tiene@apple.com (Kevin Tiene):
   I am about to buy a bike (Honda Hawk GT 650) and got the same response from
   CSAA.  They recommended getting insurance through the dealer.

   from brad (Brad Whitaker):
   Marketing Direct        (800)   729-2537        MotorCycle Insurance

   from gbuzsaki@us.oracle.com (George Buzsaki):
   Mike Felder Insurance (1-800-7-CYCLES) He specializes in motorcycle
   liability insurance and is a good guy to boot.

   from doning@ocf.Berkeley.EDU (Donald Ng):
   I got the lowest quotes for insurance from Mike Felder in Concord.  He's at
   1-800-7-CYCLES, and gives discounts for taking the MSF courses.

   from gwu@esl.com (George Wu):
   Based on what the net recommended, I called Mike Felder and McGraw
   Insurance.  For just liability, Felder quoted $157.  McGraw quoted $87.  I
   went with McGraw, naturally.  Personally, I think the $157 is an error.  I
   definitely stated I wanted liability only, but I bet that's not what he
   quoted.

   After I passed the MSF course, I called McGraw Insurance back to try and get
   a discount.  They don't offer one for the MSF course.  The only safety
   discount they offer is for "good drivers."  One is a "good driver" if one
   has held an M1 license for at least three years and has zero or one points
   on his or her license.



Highways

33.What's the state of Los Angeles' freeways after the Northridge earthquake?
   If I'm driving down from Northern California, should I take I-5 as usual,
   or is there now a faster route?

   from gwu@esl.com (George J Wu) on 7 March 1994:

   The best source of current highway information is CalTrans' touchtone
   hotline.  From a touchtone telephone, call them at 1-800-GAS-ROAD.  Then
   punch in the number of the highway in which you are interested, followed
   by a '#' key.  


34.When you see a sign "Litter removal next two miles by organization XXX",
   what exactly does XXX do?

   from rog@Ingres.COM (Roger Taranto) on 18 Jul 1992:

   They are required by CalTrans to clean up their section of the highway at
   least quarterly.  They are told to park near the highway (on some side
   street or something, not on the side of the highway), and they have to give
   CalTrans and the CHP notice a certain amount of time before they go out
   there.  They are given safety instructions before they go.  Finally, there
   are two types of people you see picking up litter along the side of the
   road:  those with *white* hats are part of some group doing litter removal;
   those with *orange* hats are doing "community service", e.g., someone who
   got sentenced to do community service.  Alternatively, sponsors can hire
   cleanup crews.



Taxes

35.How much are the gasoline taxes in CA?

   14.1 cents Federal tax + 17.0 cents State tax + sales tax (up to 7.75
   percent)



Bicycles

36.Can I get a ticket for a traffic violation while I'm riding a bicycle?

   from walsh@optilink.COM (Mark Walsh) 24 May 93:

   Yes.  Go read CVC 21200 through 21211.  Section 21200 basically states that
   cyclists have all of the same privileges and responsibilities that other
   vehicles have.

   from cortesi@netcom.com (David Cortesi) on 22 Jun 93:

   There is not a lot of enforcement of cycling violations, which is one of the
   reasons you see a lot of bicyclists breaking rules.  However, in a few towns
   there is strict enforcement of traffic laws on bicyclists, among them
   Woodside, CA, where cyclists are regularly ticketed for failure to stop at
   stop signs.


37.Will such bicycle traffic convictions go on my DMV driving record?

   from walsh@optilink.COM (Mark Walsh) 24 May 93:

   Contrary to myth, these offenses can and will go on your California DMV
   record.  I know a fellow who suffered a dramatic increase in his insurance
   rates after having been cited for running stop signs on his bike twice
   within a year.

   In rec.bicycles.soc, Bob Becker writes:

   Even with a driver's license, a bicycle violation shouldn't appear on your
   record.  From the CVC section 1803 (b):

   The following violations are not required to be reported under subdivision
   (a) of this section:
   [....]
   (7) Violations for which a person was cited as a pedestrian or while
       operating a bicycle

   If they do show up on your record, contact the DMV and get them removed.  I
   know you can, I have done this.


38.I had to slow down because of a bicyclist and then cross the center line to
   pass.  Aren't those damn fool lycra-butts supposed to ride on the
   sidewalk/in the gutter/in the bike lane/etc?

   from cortesi@netcom.com (David Cortesi) on 15 Jun 93:

   Bicyclists are "vehicle operators" in almost every sense under the vehicle
   code.  They are not restricted to particular lanes or parts of the road,
   except that when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, or to
   avoid unsafe conditions, they should ride as far to the right "as
   practicable" [CVC 21202(a)].  On a section of highway that carries traffic
   in one direction only and has two or more marked traffic lanes, bicyclists
   may ride as near to the left as practicable [CVC 21202(b)].  They are also
   subject to the law on two-lane highways that slow traffic must pull over,
   wherever sufficient area for a safe turnout exists, when 5 or more vehicles
   are behind it and where passing is unsafe [CVC 21656].

   So if the cyclist was riding as far to the right as practicable for the road
   surface conditions and holding up less than 5 vehicles, he or she is within
   the law, and motorists are responsible for passing the cyclist in a way that
   is safe for all.


39.Oh?  So what are these bike lanes for, then?

   from cortesi@netcom.com (David Cortesi) on 22 Jun 93:

   Primarily for cars not to drive in.  The law says cars cannot drive in bike
   lanes, except to park where permitted, to enter or leave a roadway, or to
   prepare for a turn within 200 feet of an intersection [CVC 21309].

   Cyclists are supposed to use bike lanes but they are not locked into them.
   CVC 21208 says:

      Whenever a bicycle lane has been established on a roadway pursuant to
      Section 21207, any person operating a bicycle upon the roadway at a speed
      less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction shall
      ride within the bicycle lane, except that such person may move out of the
      lane under any of the following situations:
      (1) When overtaking and passing another bicycle, vehicle, or pedestrian
          within the lane or about to enter the lane if such overtaking and
          passing cannot be done safely within the lane.
      (2) When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private
          road or driveway.
      (3) When reasonable necessary to leave the bicycle lane to avoid debris
          or other hazardous conditions.

   A lot of cyclists prefer to stay in the traffic lanes because traffic keeps
   them swept clear of glass, tree litter, kids on skateboards...  Seriously,
   cycling activists like John Forrester (author of Effective Cycling) argue
   that bike lanes are a unsafe and ineffective, and that governments would do
   better trying to teach cyclists and drivers how better to share the roads.

   From Jym Dyer (jym@remarque.berkeley.edu) on 1 Nov 1993:

   Forrester's argument about bike lanes is based on statistical
   data showing lots of bike/auto collisions when autos running
   parallel with a bike lane make a right turn at an intersection.
   California's law about merging into the bicycle lane before
   making a right turn would appear to be an attempt to address
   this problem.  Unfortunately this isn't made at all clear.


40.One of those gangs of a dozen neon-shirted lycra-butts was taking up a whole
   lane the other day, don't they have to ride single file?

   There's no CVC section requiring it (see FAQ on lane sharing).  On the other
   hand, some people (including police officers, acting in their official
   capacities) interpret the requirement to keep as far to the right "as
   practicable" of CVC 21202(a) to require bicycles to ride single file.  Under
   this interpretation, unless passing, turning, avoiding road debris, etc.
   (see quote of CVC 21208 above), the cyclist on the left is not as far right
   as practicable.


41.Okay, so what do I do to get around a bicyclist and be on my way?

   from geoff@FICUS.CS.UCLA.EDU (Geoff Kuenning) on Thu, 2 Dec 93:

   If the cyclist is not traveling in the same direction as you, treat
   him or her as you would any other vehicle.  Be careful about
   estimating speeds.  Many experienced cyclists (see below) travel much
   faster than you might expect.  More than once, I have had drivers turn
   in front of me because they thought they had plenty of time, but did
   not.  When in doubt, wait (assuming, of course, that the cyclist is
   the one with the right-of-way).  This is especially important if you
   are traveling in the same direction and making a right turn soon;  you
   don't want to turn right in front of the cyclist because you misjudged
   her speed.

   If you're traveling in the same direction, things are a bit more
   complex.  I almost hate to say it, but the first thing you should
   probably do is to decide whether the cyclist is an expert.
   Experienced cyclists should be treated a bit differently.  The best
   clue to experience is riding style, of course, though this can be hard
   to observe quickly.  Experienced cyclists are smoother and ride a
   straighter line.  Inexperienced cyclists tend to weave and make
   unpredictable moves.

   A quicker, though somewhat less reliable, way to judge experience is
   to look at the rider's clothes.  If they're not a "lycra-butt," it's
   doubtful that they're an expert. If they have Lycra shorts, but are
   wearing a T-shirt, they're less likely to be experienced.  Gloves,
   shoes, and helmet are other less-reliable clues.  If the cyclist is in
   full regalia and riding in a straight line, they are probably
   experienced.  But all of these are only guidelines, of course.

   Once you've judged experience, decide how and when to pass.  If the
   cyclist is an expert, let him or her guide you.  If he's out in the
   middle of your lane, it's probably because he doesn't want you to pass
   at that point.  I frequently move out into the traffic lane in
   high-speed sections where I know some bad road is coming up, so that I
   won't be forced to swerve into traffic suddenly.  A polite cyclist
   will also use hand signals to indicate that you should stay back in
   dangerous situations.  By the same token, polite (and careful)
   cyclists will also use hand signals to let you know when it's safe to
   overtake them.

   For inexperienced riders, use your own judgment to select a safe spot,
   waiting if necessary.  A safe spot means that there is enough room to
   give a wide berth, there are no obvious hazards that might cause the
   cyclist to swerve suddenly, and there is no cross traffic.  Of these,
   the wide berth is the most important: you want to have enough room
   that you won't run over the rider if he suddenly falls over (which
   actually does happen from time to time).  I consider half a car width
   minimal for an unrequested pass (this does not apply if an expert
   cyclist explicitly motions you to come by).

   Finally, when you do pass, PASS QUICKLY.  I cannot overemphasize the
   importance of this latter point.  It is not safe (for you insurance
   bill as well as for the cyclist) to drive next to a bicycle.  Don't
   come barrelling up at 60 mph and surprise the poor fellow at a
   distance of 6 inches, but don't pass at a differential of 2 or even 5
   mph either.  Use your superior power and acceleration to get around
   him and on your way.  This is especially important if you have been
   signalled to pass, since there is often only a very short section
   where it is safe, and the cyclist is trying to help you out by
   getting you on your way quickly.


42.I'm a slow, occasional cyclist and I feel a lot safer riding the way I walk,
   against the traffic.  Is that OK?

   from cortesi@netcom.com (David Cortesi) on 22 Jun 93:

   Absolutely not, because as a vehicle operator you should ride with the other
   vehicles, on the right.  Besides being legal, you are safer on the right.
   Two of many reasons:  A driver entering from a side street or driveway
   always looks to the left before pulling out.  If you are riding on the wrong
   side, you approach toward the back of the driver's head and he or she is
   likely to pull out into you.  Plus, when you meet a cyclist riding 20 mph
   toward you in the bike lane, which way do you dodge?  Should you pass on the
   right or the left?  It's a sticky situation all too likely to end with a
   head-on crash.

   From Jym Dyer (jym@remarque.berkeley.edu) on 1 Nov 1993:

   Statistically speaking, it is much safer to ride with auto traffic than
   against it.  I myself feel a lot safer (and have managed to avoid being
   hit) by using a rear-view mirror.  My favorite type is a small wide-angle
   mirror, the type that attaches to eyeglasses or a helmet.

   From 



For further information . . .

43.What are some useful phone numbers and/or addresses?

   (Some of these apply only to particular areas of the state.  The purpose of
   this information is to show the kinds of services that are available;
   consult your phone directory for the local corresponding agency.  Additions
   to this list are welcome, of course.)

   800-427-ROAD  (try 415-557-3755 from out-of-state) CalTrans' highway
      information number:  Call from a touch-tone phone, punch in the highway
      number, and a recording will tell you about current and scheduled
      closures, chain requirements, and traffic restrictions.  As far as I
      can tell, it gets updated as whenever conditions change.  Drive safely!
      --from ajh@Xenon.Stanford.EDU (Alan Hu) on 10 dec 92

   714-665-6970  Orange County Household Hazardous Waste Hotline, recording
   714-744-0516
      for information on sites that accept waste motor oil, antifreeze, etc.,
      from households of Orange County residents

   800-EXHAUST   Bay Area Air Quality Management District smoking vehicle
      program complaint line
   800-CUT-SMOG  South Coast Air Quality Management District
      to report smoke-emitting (for longer than 10 seconds) vehicle (note
      license number, make, model, date, time, and location).  The AQMD doesn't
      ask for your name.  They mail the vehicle owner a letter stating that
      their vehicle was observed smoking and explaining the CA exhaust
      emissions laws.  They are asked to repond to the letter.  The Street
      Smart column of the LA times on 15 March, 1993, reports that according
      to AQMD spokesperson Paula Levy, there is a 25 percent of letter
      recipients reply that they have repaired their vehicle.

   800-745-SAFE  "Safety Belt Safe USA", Inglewood, CA, a non-profit group
      To report a driver having children in the vehicle who were not retrained
      by seat belts or within a car seat, call the 800 number.  They will give
      you a form to fill out to report the offending motorist.  Send the form
      back to them and they will get it to the Highway Patrol, who will then
      send the registered owner a very stern letter of warning.
      -- from nancy@jpl-devvax.jpl.nasa.gov (Nancy Feagans) on 18 may 1993

   800-927-HELP  CA Insurance Consumer Line (see question about insurers
      having to be licensed in CA)

   714-724-2000  CalTrans, Orange County:  to report potholes
   714-754-5334  Costa Mesa Transportation Services:  to report malfunctioning
      traffic signals (note place, time, and situation)
   213-623-6533  for info on handling LA City parking ticket by mail
   DMV Revenue Services, Mail Station D148, 2415 1st Ave., Sacramento, CA 95818
      to report expired tags, or out-of-state plates that have overstayed their
      welcome

   800-952-5210  California Bureau of Automotive Repair


44.What are some recommended readings?

   (originally compiled by stevea@locus.com;
    some updates from a post by pvmason@cco.caltech.edu (Peter V. Mason) on 2
    Oct 92)
   (if you would like to maintain this list, please Reply!)

   Beating the Radar Rap, Dale Smith & John Tomerlin, Bonus Books, Chicago,
   1990, $15.
   How to fight a radar-clocked speeding ticket in court.  (Annotation
   summarized from Car & Driver, 2/91.)  (stevea)

   Don't Get Taken Every Time, Remar Sutton, Penguin, city?, 1991?, ~$8?.
   This book pulls no punches in its expose' of car dealers' tactics on car
   buyers.  Fictional examples offer lessons.  Also a step by step guide for
   buying cars.  (stevea)

   Fight Your Ticket, David W. Brown, Nolo Press, Berkeley, 1991, $21.95,
   800-992-6656.
   I found it under "traffic violations" on the library index computer.  Dewey
   number is 345.0247 BRO 1991, ISBN 0-87337-132-1.  It's obviously specialized
   to California, but there are some pretty good general topics on how to act
   when stopped (polite, non-committal, don't make the cop's job easy by
   admitting anything). Check out all the facts you can and write down the
   entire incident for use in court.  One of his claims is that the cop is
   trained to decide whether to give you a ticket before he gets out of his
   car, so fawning or apologizing will get you nowhere. Another point is to
   read the vehicle code very carefully, because each code section requires
   that several elements be established to convict you.  Brown also discusses
   out-of-state tickets and lists the states that are in the Driver's License
   Compact and cross report-violations.  Incidentally, Brown verifies that you
   can't be convicted of a speed violation using radar measurement unless there
   has been a survey within 5 years. (pvmason)

   Nolo is a major self-help legal publisher in California and Fight Your
   Ticket is considered by many to be *the* bible to contesting traffic
   tickets.  (georgewu)

   The Safe Motorist's Guide to Speedtraps, John Tomerlin & Dru Whitledge,
   Bonus Books, Chicago, 1991, $24 "RADAR" members, $31 nonmembers,
   800-448-5170, also available in some bookstores.
   For the 50 states: Hwy Patrol radio frequencies, fines, ticket info
   exchanges with other states, speed traps, more.  (Annotation summarized
   from Car & Driver, 3/92.)  (stevea)

   A Speeder's Guide to Avoiding Tickets, Sgt. James M. Eagan, Avon Books, New
   York, 1990, $5.
   How to avoid getting caught; what to do before, during, and after being
   pulled over.  Mildly amusing and worth the price.  (stevea)

   from bill@Celestial.COM (Bill Campbell) on 28 Sep 1992:
   The Ticket Book, Rod Dornsife, ISBN 0-9601950-1-7, published by
   The Ticket Book, Inc., PO Box 1087, La Jolla, Ca 92038
   I don't know whether this is still available.  I got mine when it was handed
   out to all the participants in the 1979 Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea
   Memorial Trophy Dash (the last real Cannonball).

   Traffic Court - How to Win, by Atty. James Glass, Allenby Press, Arcadia,
   CA, 1988.  Claims to be nationwide in application. (pvmason)

   How to Win in Traffic Court:  The Non-Lawyers Guide to Successfully
   Defending Traffic Violations, by Phil Bello, J.D., Major Market Books,
   Gibbsboro, NJ, 1989.  Also claims to be nationwide. (pvmason)
   The book may be ordered from the publisher, Major
   Market Books, 883 Cooper Landing Rd., Ste.-211, Cherry Hill, NJ  08002,
   for $16.00, postpaid.


   from duehara@yosemite.atmos.ucla.edu (Dana Uehara) on 16 Feb 93:
   _Talk Your Way Out Of A Traffic Ticket_.  (Not sure who the author is --
   something [Jim?] Kelley).  Unfortunately I don't have the book with me, so I
   have no other information, but I do know it's available in paperback.  It
   should be useful since the person who wrote it is (was?) a CHP patrol
   officer.  Synopsis:  Highlights what to and what *not* to do/say if you get
   pulled over.  Also outlines what types of recourse you have if you do get
   ticketed, under what conditions you can request Traffic School, and also
   gives some guidelines as to testing yourself as to whether or not you can
   (or *should*) be driving, particularly if you've had too much to drink.


45. Can I actually get traffic conditions over the Internet?

    from karl@kraz.usc.edu (Karl Geiger) on 17 Jun 1994:

    Way cool...realtime traffic information for the San Diego freeway net
    is available from

    http://www.scubed.com:8001/caltrans/transnet.html

    Clickable maps aren't complete.  Text/data tables work and show
    traffic (vehicles per hour) and lane speed.




CHP radios and scanners

46.What is a "CHiPs detector"?  What's the complete story on CHP radios?

   from Chucko@charon.arc.nasa.gov (Chuck Fry):

   That's right.  Many CHP cars are equipped with repeaters so that when the
   officers get out of their cars, their walkie-talkies need only reach the car
   instead of the base station.  The CHiPs Detector (tm) takes advantage of the
   fact that the CHiPpies rarely turn off the repeater when they're IN the car.
   Note that the CHP may change this frequency at any time, although they're
   not likely to.

   The disadvantages are that you just know at least one CHiPpie is in the
   area, not how close, what they're doing, or whether they're after you; and
   there's no signal transmitted from the repeater when the base station is
   silent.  So it's hardly foolproof.

   morris@grian.cps.altadena.ca.us (Mike Morris) posted on 12 oct 1991:

   The following info was compiled from several sources, none of which have
   1st-hand knowledge of the new CHP radios, but what I have been able to put
   together seems to agree.  So with that caveat, ...

   The older Motorola Micor mobile radios had "mobile extenders" by GE.  These
   extenders were 1/4 watt transmitting units that repeated the audio from the
   42mhz CHP mobile radio to 154.905mhz.  The mobile extender time-sliced the
   channel to transmit for roughly 9/10 second and receive for 1/10 of a second
   to see if the officer was replying.  Hence the "yakyakyak-chuff-yakyakyak-
   chuff-yakyakyak-chuff-..." sound of the repeated traffic on the 154mhz
   channel.  There was a writeup of the single-channel time-slicing technique
   in a ham radio magazine back in the early 70s, and the technique has taken
   off tremendously.  It has mostly been used to allow single-channel
   radio-to-telephone interconnects called simplex autopatches (because they
   use one channel - a "simplex" channel.)

   Anyway the mobile extender technique works very well, and allows the officer
   to use a relatively low power high-band hand-held to communicate with the
   dispatcher via the > 100w low-band mobile radio in his/her patrol car with
   very little trouble.

   A low-band hand-held would have to use a 6' antenna to be resonant, or a
   "rubber duckie" over a foot long.  And the hand-held couldn't have enough RF
   power to reach the dispatch center in 99% of the state.  Hence a 150mhz
   handheld (where a 18" antenna is the norm, and a "rubber duck" is < 9") and
   a mobile extender.

   A bit of history:
   The bid for mobile radios was won by Motorola around 10 years ago.  The

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