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(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, CA) Do you have questions about general driving related requirements like registration or insurance? Are you unclear about laws and restrictions related to driving? The California Department of Motor Vehicles has answers. "Save Time, Go Online," at www.dmv.ca.gov. Now, readers can submit any DMV-related questions to askdmv@dmv.ca.gov!

Q: A roundabout was recently put in my neighborhood and it's wreaking all kinds of havoc - no one seems to know what to do. Are there simple driving instructions for roundabouts? Who has the right of way?

A: There are some very basic instructions about how to drive through a roundabout. Slow down as you approach the intersection and watch for any pedestrians. Watch for vehicles that are already in the roundabout or are to your right, as they will have the right of way. Enter the roundabout once there is a gap in traffic flow. Always drive through roundabouts in a counter-clockwise direction until you reach your exit and use your turn signal to indicate your direction. Should you happen to miss your exit, just continue driving around the roundabout until you return to it. You can learn more about the DMV's rules of the road online at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl600.pdf.

Q: I know it's illegal for me to drive without a seatbelt, but I heard that if I'm in a crash and wearing mine, I could get trapped in the car. Is that true?

A: Getting trapped in a vehicle after a collision due to the use of your seatbelt is a modern myth. It takes less than two seconds to remove your seatbelt. Furthermore, seatbelts keep drivers from being knocked unconscious, which means you'll have a better chance of escape. Learn more facts regarding seatbelt use, and other driving and safety related myths at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/pgs46thru47.htm . Wearing a seatbelt can ultimately reduce injuries and deaths. By law, all drivers must wear their seatbelts while operating motor vehicles.

Q: I have a niece that will be visiting from Texas. She is 17 years old and will be staying with me for a few weeks. I'm concerned about her driving around without a California license. What are the rules regarding that type of situation?

A: Minors between the ages of 16 and 18 are allowed to drive with their state-issued license for a maximum of 10 days. If she will need to continue driving for more than 10 days, she must obtain a California driver license, or a Nonresident Minor's Certificate, on which she must show proof of insurance coverage. Since she may be unfamiliar with the rules and regulations of driving in California, you may want to have your niece review the California Driver Handbook which can be found by going to www.dmv.ca.gov. Once there, click on the "Publications" tab and then click on the "Driver Handbook" link.

Q: I want to get a personalized license plate but am worried that my request might be considered obscene. How is that determination made?

A: The DMV has a review board and reserves the right to determine whether any sequence of letters and/or numbers used on a personalized plate is offensive, misleading or in poor taste. If the DMV determines that your requested configuration is unacceptable, you will be allowed to make a new selection or be issued a refund. You can save yourself a trip to the DMV field office and order your personalized plate online at https://vrir.dmv.ca.gov/ipp/ippMain.jsp.

"Save Time by Going Online" with the DMV at www.dmv.ca.gov. The DMV is a department under the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, which is under the direction of Secretary Dale E. Bonner. The DMV licenses drivers, maintains driving records, registers and tracks official ownership of vehicles and vessels, investigates auto and identity-related fraud, and licenses car dealers, driving schools, and traffic violator schools. For more information about the DMV, visit www.dmv.ca.gov.

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