Can I keep out-of-state plates as a part-time California resident if I take property tax exemption?: Roadshow
Is it OK to move to San Jose for part of the year but keep out-of-state plates if I claim California property exemption?
Q: I moved from California to the Midwest over a decade ago. Starting next year, my wife and I plan to spend winters in San Jose and the other time in the Midwest, which will remain our primary residence and California will be our part-time residence. As I own property in California and will claim an exemption, per the Franchise Tax Board, I would be a California resident.
Can I keep my out-of-state plates and registration “forever,” renewing annually, until I move permanently to California? I’ll be spending three to four months at a time in California.
Anonymous
A: The DMV answered your question. If a driver claims a property tax exemption in California, then they are considered a California resident and must register their vehicle in California. A customer can only claim one primary residence. More information on what constitutes a “California resident” can be found on the DMV’s website at https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/how-to-determine-residency-when-fees-are-due-on-out-of-state-vehicles-htvr-33/.
Q: Drivers with high beams are bad enough. More often, I see drivers with no taillights on. They have their daytime running lights on, but that doesn’t turn on taillights. In earlier cars, when headlights were off, your dash was dark. Now, electronic dashboards are always lit up. There ought to be a federal law requiring all new cars to have automatic-on headlights, controlled by solar cells to sense darkness.
Doug Finley
A: And …
Q: I have two cars with auto high beams. I turn the automatic off and do it manually, as they seldom go back to low early enough when a car is approaching. Who wants to blind oncoming traffic?
John Hamblin
A: And …
Q: I agree with the reader who said what looks like high beams could be maladjusted headlights. If you’re getting flashed by other drivers and you know your high beams aren’t on, please drop by a local mechanic shop for adjustment. That doesn’t solve the issue of super bright lights, which I hope someday will be legislated to a reasonable level. Meanwhile, the yellow lens glasses do help.
Gwynne Willison
A: A good idea, having headlights adjusted if many other drivers think your high beams are on.
Q: Declining eyesight is a serious factor in night driving and any driving. It’s not just the headlight issue. I found night driving increasingly difficult, with glare from oncoming headlights blinding me, making driving dangerous and full of anxiety. I had cataract surgery, and my life was transformed. One hour, minor discomfort, zero after-effects. There are now actual colors and clarity. I recovered 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other. Driving, day or night, is now confident and safe.
John Joss, Mountain View
A: And that’s today’s last word.
Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.