Q: Richard Tossetti of Temecula said his REAL ID driver’s license will expire soon and he is in the process of renewing it. Tossetti asked if he will again need to submit the identity documents proving who he is, and he has not moved or changed addresses since he initially applied for a REAL ID.

A: The federal enforcement date for the REAL ID began May 7, as we recently discussed, so our reader’s question is timely for those who obtained their REAL ID early on. (Remember, Americans need a REAL ID or other federally approved document to board flights within the United States and access secure federal facilities like federal courthouses and military bases. Info: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.)

Department of Motor Vehicles spokesperson Geovana Herrera said most drivers can renew their REAL ID driver’s license online, as long as they are not changing their address or updating personal information. In these cases, no additional documentation is required, she said.

Those who need to update information must visit a DMV office in person with the appropriate documentation. Also, people with limited-term legal presence in the country who need to renew their REAL ID driver’s license or ID must visit a DMV office and present their new or unexpired identity documents, she said. People who choose to renew in person at a DMV office must ensure they choose the REAL ID option if they want to retain their REAL ID driver’s license or ID card status.

Safety on two wheels

May is both National Bicycle Safety Month and Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Riverside Police Department recently shared. The focus on safety is an effort to remind drivers to always look twice for motorcycles and bicyclists to avoid accidents.

The Riverside Police Department suggests the following safety tips for bicyclists/drivers: Drivers should follow the speed limit, look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or opening a car door near streets or bike paths, be patient when traveling behind a bicyclist, and give the rider space when passing.

Bicyclists should use lights at night, wear a properly secured helmet, travel in the same direction as traffic, and yield to pedestrians who have the right-of-way within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

The department offers these tips for drivers/motorcyclists: Drivers should always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and never follow a motorcycle too closely. If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be sure the rider is turning before moving ahead.

Motorcyclists should always wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet with eye protection, wear leather or sturdy clothing, add reflective strips or decals to clothing and the motorcycle so it’s easier for other drivers to see the bike, ride defensively, never assume a driver can see you, avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot, and keep the lights on, even during the day.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, there were 6,218 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2022, representing 15% of total highway fatalities that year.

Do you commute to work in the Inland Empire? Spend a lot of time in your vehicle? Have questions about driving, freeways, toll roads or parking? If so, write or call On the Road and we’ll try to answer your questions. Please include your question or issue, name, city of residence, phone number and email address. Write ontheroad@scng.com or call 951-368-9995.