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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• What paperwork do emission testing sites require?

  The one thing you can count on having to bring to the smog check is your vehicle; the inspectors can’t perform an emissions test on a vehicle that’s not there, after all.After that, requirements vary by state. Once you dive into the grid, you’ll see that most emissions testing sites require nothing more than your registration information (this might be your vehicle’s registration card, registration renewal notice, or – in the case of newly purchased vehicles – your title) and the appropriate fees. You’ll even see that some states provide emissions tests for free!Of course, situations might arise in which you’ll need to provide extra paperwork, such as a smog test reminder notice. This grid notes such additional requirements, but be sure to pay attention to any registration or smog check renewal notices that might outline the paperwork you must bring.Check the grid below to find out your state’s requirements.
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• Is a work permit the same as a restricted or hardship license?

  While some states group all of these under the same category, a work permit is usually considered to be a bit more limited that a restricted or hardship license.That's because a work permit normally only allows you to drive to and from work. Meanwhile, a restricted or hardship license allows you to drive within certain hours of the day - perhaps to go to the doctor's office, school, or grocery store - as well as to and from your job. Some states also offer hardship licenses to young drivers under the legal driving age, depending on their family needs and distance from school and public transportation.Again, though, states define work permits and hardship licenses differently, so you'll need to inquire with your state's driver's license agency to specifically find out what driving activities you're allowed to do - and when.If you have a revoked drivers license, you might find it more difficult to obtain a work permit or hardship license than if you have a suspended drivers ...
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• Is there a grace period for my registration?

  You can learn if your state offers a grace period for vehicle registration from the grid below. If you harbor more questions about this topic, call your local state's DMV office. Or try visiting its Web site and search under registration renewal.If your registration's expiration date is approaching or has passed, you need to initiate the renewal process as quickly as possible. Otherwise you'll risk accruing late fees and, possibly, getting ticketed. 
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• What is required to obtain an abandoned vehicle title?

  Obtaining an abandoned vehicle title for a vehicle left on your property is usually a joint process between the DMV and law enforcement. To find the specific requirements for your state, try contacting your local DMV office. You'll either be given the exact requirements or directed to your local law enforcement agency. Though exact abandoned vehicle requirements vary with each state, they generally all begin with determining if the abandoned vehicle is stolen. Most police agencies will handle the search, based on the vehicle identification number (VIN). If the vehicle is deemed abandoned, a public notice will be posted, giving the last registered owner anywhere from 30 to 60 days to make a claim (the exact number of days depends on state). If no one responds to the notice, you'll be then given the green light to begin filing car title forms with your DMV. In most instances you will need a notice or form from the police declaring that the vehicle has been officially categorized ...
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