Q: The other day we saw a large truck turning onto the entrance ramp for southbound Highway 85 at Union Avenue. Later that day, we saw a big car carrier had eight cars on it on the entrance ramp to southbound 85 at Highway 17. Are trucks allowed to use 85 now?
Audrey Adams, Los Gatos
A: No. Trucks over 4½ tons cannot use the highway from Highway 101 in south San Jose to Interstate 280. But they sometimes sneak in.
Q: I recently moved to Nevada, but still work in California. I rent a room during the week. In Nevada, it states all vehicles must be registered immediately. However, my vehicle is primarily in California. I have registered my vehicles that are primarily in Nevada already. Where should my California car be registered — California or Nevada?
And a question on insurance, the vehicles in Nevada are insured there and the one in California is insured here.
Virginia Dunn
A: A vehicle must be registered in California if it is based in California or is primarily used on California highways. And it’s best to insure the car in the state where it’s registered.
Q: Quite often I am in a parking lot and the driver starts the car next to me while I am unloading my shopping. So I think, maybe I should get out of the way because they want to leave. Well, no. They sit there polluting the air around me, giving a signal that they are going to leave by starting the car, and wasting gas. How often have you sat awaiting a car to vacate a parking spot, only to wait several minutes before they finally leave?
Please ask people to get in their cars, do whatever they wish, fasten their seat belt, and only then start their car just prior to driving. It would save gas, help spare the air. and avoid road rage.
Marda Buchholz, Palo Alto
A: Idling cars today don’t spew as much exhaust into the air as older vehicles, but your points are well made.
Q: We are a group of seniors who anxiously have been waiting four years for the BART to Berryessa line to open. We are all in our 80s, so we are hoping it will open during our lifetime.
Prakash Deshmukh, San Jose
A: I’m rooting for you. The VTA says anytime between Nov. 1 and Jan. 1.
Q: Is there any plan to turn on the metering lights at southbound Highway 85 to Highway 101 in south San Jose? Traffic on 101 constantly backs up to Coyote Creek Golf Drive.
Jose Guzman
A: There was an equipment issue on the advance warning signs on the ramp and until they are repaired, Caltrans will not activate the metering light. Once repairs are done, they’ll develop an activation plan for the connector.
Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.
