Related Questions from DMV Answers

• What are the car seat laws in regard to a booster seat?

  Children 2 to 5 years of age prematurely using safety belts are four times more likely to suffer a serious head injury in an auto accident than kids who are restrained in safety seats or booster seats. State laws should require children to be in age-and size-appropriate child safety seats or seat belts. However, most state child car seat laws are very vague. See the grid below for more inforamtion on car seat laws. Parents should remember that it’s not age that determines when a child no longer has to ride in a child safety seat, it’s weight and height. Children who are shorter and thinner than their peers may need to ride in a safety seat for a bit longer in order to stay safe. The best way to determine if your child needs a booster seat is “The 5-Step Test.” Can my child sit all the way back against the car seat? Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs? Does the belt cross the shoulder between his neck and arm? Can his knees bend comfortabl...
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• Where do I submit my accident report form?

  Most states require you to file an accident report form at your DMV or other state driver license or motor vehicle agency (for purposes of this grid, “DMV” covers all those) or law enforcement agency following a car accident. Many states provide the forms online or in your local office, but you might need to obtain one from the police or your insurance agency.Each state sets its own accident criteria (i.e. how much property damage, whether an injury or death occurred) and the amount of time you have to file the accident report form. Be sure to file within that time period; otherwise, you could face penalties such as fines or license suspension.Note that even if the grid doesn’t mark the police for your state, you might still be required to contact them immediately following a car crash. Check for your state in the grid below.
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• Do free driving records offer the same info as paid for driving records?

  Companies advertising free driving records abound on the Internet. If you opt to order a free driving history report you can expect the following information: Drivers license number License issue date License expiration date Name of driver Driver's complete address City, state and zip code where license was issued Driver's date of birth Driver's eye color Organ donor information License type Accident history Conviction information Restriction information Other related DMV records and documentation The information is similar to the information you'll find on a paid driving history report. But the difference lies in sources. A paid report utilizes many more sources for gathering drivers license data, assuring that the information you read on your report is accurate and up to date. And this information includes current drivers license status, points, suspensions, accidents and more. If you decide to order a free report, take the time to research the company offering the report....
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• If I have warrants, will my drivers license be suspended?

  There are many different reasons a driver can have a drivers license suspended, such as failing to have adequate car insurance, leaving the scene of an accident, driving under the influence of alcohol, or getting too many points on his or her driving record. One reason that many people are unaware of having a suspended license, however, is having a warrant issued for your arrest. An arrest warrant or bench warrant may be issued for: Failure to obey a court order Failure to pay a legally required fine Failure to complete community service Failure to follow terms of a probation agreement, such as completing a specified alcohol treatment program Failure to appear in court when required by law Keep in mind that warrants may not necessarily have anything to do with your driving record or your behavior on the road. For example, California is one of several states that will suspend your driver’s license if you have a warrant for unpaid child support. In many states, the courts will...
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• Where can I locate the motorcycle VIN on my bike?

  Are you looking to buy a used motorcycle? If so, you’ll need to locate the motorcycle vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN number is located in two places on motorcycles, on the engine case and on the frame. Motorcycles from 1970 and later only have a frame tag. Motorcycles made during or after 1981 have a VIN that is made up of 17 characters. Prior to 1981, the motorcycle VIN usually ran 11-17 characters. Modern day VINs consist of 17 characters that do not include the letters I, O, or Q. When buying any used vehicle, especially when buying a used motorcycle, it should be standard procedure to check the history of the vehicle. Previous owners aren’t always forthcoming about a motorcycle’s past. Has it been in an accident? Has it been recalled? Is it stolen or salvaged? VIN numbers are documented in all accident reports, stolen vehicle reports, recall reports, and any records that are available to the public. Or, you could want to provide the VIN number to ...
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