#394 - 1641 hits - created: 2005-05-10 21:51:42 - last modified: 2005-05-14 06:08:26
Summary of the Washington Driver Guide 2005 (online) for study purposes:
Types:
- instruction permit (15 1/2, 15 if training; supervised 5 yrs. in front)
- intermediate (16 or 17; need 25+ 1-5am; no non-family under 20 6 mos. then only 3; changes at 18)
- basic (drive a personal vehicle; 5 yrs.; expires on birthday)
Can lose for:
- DUI; refusing testing; leave scene w/ id.; false application; uninsured collision; fail to re-exam.; vehicle felony;
- HTO (Habitual Traffic Offender); reckless/worker; racing; eluding police; gas; FTA (failure to appear); license fraud;
- driving while suspended/revoked/cancelled/denied; lending/borrowing/using other license while suspended;
- 2+ offenses intermediate; making/selling/delivering forged/fictitious/counterfeit/altered/blank/unlawful license
FTA: most common suspension; 15 days suspend; 30 comply; 10 year suspension; $20 reissue ($150 alcohol)
Insurace (govt./mcycle./carriers exempt):
- $25k collision (1 injured/killed)
- $50k collision (2+ injured/killed)
- $10k destruction of property
Vehicle check:
- brakes, lights (align.), windshield/wipers, tires (2/32"); steering; suspension; exhaust; engine; loose objects; horn
- glass: clean (smoking buildup); clean snow/ice/frost all windows; no clutter/hangings; ext. lights clean
- seat: no more than 3 in front seat if blocks view; height (see, airbag chest)
- mirrors: see out back and part of side; day/night; head restraints to prevent whiplash
Seat belts:
- mandatory for driver and all passengers (driver responsible for < 16) even with airbags
- all vehicles mf. after Jan. 1964 must have front lap-type seat belts
- pass. vehicles mf. after Jan. 1968, trucks and multi-purpose after Jan. 1972 must have lap or lap and shoulder all positions
- vans, motorhomes, vehicles carrying chassis-mounted campers mf. after Jan. 1976 must have seat belts all positions
- can keep you from being knocked out or thrown from a vehicle
Child seats:
- under 3 in approved child car seat (rear seat)
- 0-1 / 0-20 lbs. rear-facing child car seat
- 1-4 / 20-40 lbs. front-facing child car seat
- 4-6 / 40-60 lbs. booster seat
- 6+ / 60+ lbs. seat belt or booster seat
- if active passenger side air bag system, children <6 / 60lbs. must ride in back seat
Rules of the road:
Traffic control devices:
- signals, signs, pavement markings, roundabouts, law enforcement officials, construction/maintenance personnel, school crossing guards
- treat non-working signal as 4-way stop
Traffic signals:
- green is go if safe (yield to emergency vehicles, if stopped allow crossing traffic to clear the intersection)
- green arrow => no oncoming traffic (oncoming traffic has right of way)
- stop for pedestrians in, or within one lane of your half of the roadway
- yellow caution (steady => changing to red, procees if safe; blinking => slow down proceed with caution)
- red stop (if turning right turn after full stop if safe and not prohibited flashing => stop sign; same for arrow)
Traffic signs:
- warning black on yellow, diamond; warn to slow down stop if necessary
- railroad crossing warning only cross if room; round yellow, cross red/white => yield; may show # tracks
- slow moving vehicle reflective orange triangle on read of vehicle => < 25 mph
- work area signs black on orange, diamond/rectangular; warn people working; obey flaggers, vehicles w/ flashing yellow lights, equipment inside highway construction zone; fines double when workers present
- regulatory signs square/rectangular/special, black/red/white/green on white/red/black; information about rules
- speed limit signs (ideal); speed zone ahead; lane use; no passing
- stop (full stop at marked line, before crosswalk, point nearest intersecting roadway with view of approaching traffic); wait until clear, pull forward when safe
- yield (slow down give way); do not enter; disabled parking ($250 w/o plate/placard or blocking); traction advisory (black on white)
Guide signs:
- destination (white on green/brown); service (white on blue/brown); route number
Pavement markings:
- white lane (stay left if solid; can change lanes dashed, change only if special situation if solid between lanes)
- yellow (stay right if solid; may pass if safe if dashed; may always cross to turn left if safe; also passing zone signs)
- medians (illegal to drive over or within); open space/divider/island/18 in. solid yellow pavement markings or crosshatchings
- crosswalks, stop lines (yield to pedestrians in or entering a crosswalk or when pavement lights flashing)
- other: speed bumps, narrow curbing, circular islands; keep right unless posted
Roundabouts:
- yield to traffic in circle and bicyclists/pedestrians legally crossing the road
- inside, always drive around to the right; designed for 15-20 mph; do not stop; exit any street or continue around
Reversible lanes:
- marked with double-dashed yellow lines; overhead or roadside signs or lights: green arrow = OK, red X = no, flashing yellow X = turning, steady X = use changing, move out as soon as safe to do so
Reserved lanes (white diamond):
- transit/bus; bicycle; HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle), marked with # of people and days/hours it applies
Two-way left turn lane (solid and dashed yellow each side):
- center lanes reserved for vehicles making left turns either direction from or into roadway or U-turns where permitted
- cannot be used for passing or travel > 300 ft.
General rules:
- if backing, look carefully, move slowly; not if miss turn/exit (go on); illegal on shoulder/freeway
- do not stop in travel lane for any reason (confusion, breakdown, passenger)
- illegal to give/seek ride on limited access roadway unless posted; no person seeking may stand where vehicle cannot safely stop off the road
- 2+ lanes same direction stay in right except to pass; 3+ use center if entering/exiting traffic
- never drive on shoulder unless directed
- 2+ lanes same direction, pass on left; 3+ pass/fast/slow (never shoulder)
- 3+ limited access vehicles towing a trailer or > 10,000 lbs. may not use left hand lane unless posted (HOV may be OK)
- ocean beaches Grays Harbor and Pacific counties; beach considered state highway; 25 mph; pedestrians always right of way; marked entrances only; hard packed sand
Turning:
- turn from lane closest to direction desired, into lane closest to source lane (cross fewest lanes of traffic)
- right: avoid moving wide left; left: avoid turning too soon (wrong side of street); stay in marked turn lane
- U-turns where safe, not on curve or approaching crest of hill where cannot be seen; some towns/cities prohibit
Right-of-way:
- law says to yield, never gives; always do everything possible to avoid striking pedestrian or another vehicle
- pedestrians should walk toward oncoming traffic and off the roadway
- pedestrians and bicyclists have right of way at crosswalks (marked or not) and intersections
- vehicles must stop if ped. or bicyclist is in or within one lane of their half of the roadway (go once beyond)
- stop and yield to ped. if crossing sidewalk (driveway/alley/parking lot); illegal to drive on except to cross
- peds. w/ guide dog/service animal/white cane have "absolute right of way"; unlawful to interfere with or distract animals (no horn)
- turning left, yield to oncoming vehicles, peds., bicyclists
- entering roundabout, yield to drivers already in the circle
- intersection with no stop/yield/signal, yield to vehicles in intersection and coming from the right
- 4-way stop: arrive first go first (complete stop); if multiple same time, right goes first
- entering roadway from driveway/alley/parking lot/roadside, yield to vehicles already on main road
- must not enter intersection unless can get through without stopping
- if passing, be ready to yield if other driver turns/slows down/stops
- yield right of way to trains crossing the roadway
- yield right of way to police/fire/ambulance/emergency vehicle using siren/air horn/red or blue flashing light; pull over to right edge or as near as possible when see/hear approaching from any direction (finish drive through intersection first; if red, stop); follow instructions given over loudspeaker
- stop for stopped school bus with red lights flashing (either side of road or intersection ahead); unless opposite side of road and roadway has 3+ traffic lanes or is separated by median or physical barrier; after flashing stopped watch for children do not proceed until left roadway
- yield to any transit vehicle (bus) that has signaled and is pulling back into the roadway
Parking:
- always park in designated area if possible; always set parking brake (leave in gear if manual, "park" if automatic)
- against the law to leave children < 16 in a parked vehicle with the engine running
- if must park on roadway, park as far from traffic as possible (if curb as close as possible)
Parking on a hill:
- curb uphill => turn steering wheel away from curb so car rolls into curb
- downhill => turn steering wheel toward curb
- no curb => turn steering wheel toward edge of road so car rolls away from traffic
Parallel parking: within 12 in. of curb
Parking prohibited:
- signed; in intersection; crosswalk/sidewalk; construction area if will block traffic
- 50' railroad crossing; 30' signal/stop/yield; 20' ped. safety zone; 15' fire hydrant; > 12" curb
- fire station driveway: 20' same side, 75' opposite side
- 5' driveway/alley/private road/area of curb removed or lowered for access to sidewalk
- bridge/overpass/tunnel/underpass/wrong side of street/space marked for disabled w/ plate/placard
- road side of parked vehicle (double park); railroad tracks; shoulder of freeway (except emergency)
- white curb = short stops; yellow/red = loading zone or other restriction
Safe driving tips:
Starting: read manual; parking brake on first; manual transmission not in gear (some clutch depressed); automatic "park"
Accelerating: gradually/smoothly (avoid spin wheels)
Steering: left 8-9 o'clock right 3-4 o'clock; high speed roads allows turns w/o removing hands from wheel; keeps hands away from air bag; sharp corners hand over hand
Headphones/earphones illegal (except motorcycle headsets); do not slow down to look at a crash
Speeding and speed limits (unless otherwise posted):
- 20 mph school zones
- 25 mph streets of cities and towns
- 50 mph county roads
- 60 mph state highways
Scanning:
- look ahead 10 seconds (city 1 block, highway 4 blocks or 1/4 mi.; 2-3 seconds may be OK at 30 mph or less)
- stopped at intersection, look left/right/across
- turning: signal 100 ft. ahead; left: look destination, oncoming; right: look for pedestrians crossing
- changing lanes: signal, mirrors (target lane, passing), blind spots, far lane (moving in), pedestrians/bicyclists
- slowing down: check behind
- backing up: as little as possible, pull through if possible
- check behind vehicle before entering; right arm on seat and turn; slow (stop before crossing sidewalk or entering street); look left/right, yield; when possible use person outside to help
Lights:
- on from half hour after sunset until half hour before sunrise or any time conditions make it difficult to see vehicles
- high beams when no oncoming vehicles (see 2x low beams); unfamiliar roads, construction areas, people along the road
- dim when within 500 ft. oncoming, 300 ft. following
- low beams in fog or heavy rain/snow (high beams reflect back); some vehicles have fog lights for these conditions
- if oncoming vehicle high beams, look right avoid being blinded (do not "get back")
- use to be seen; OK to turn on early; use driving away from rising or setting sun to be seen
- parking lights are for parked vehicles only
- if stopped along the road at night, turn on emergency flashers and low beams
Horn:
- light tap: someone moving into lane (incl. passing); driver not paying attention/trouble seeing; obstruction (curve, hill, alley)
- sharp blast: pedestrian about to enter street; danger of collision; lost control of vehicle moving toward someone
- not: move faster/get out of way; show error; greeting; blind; bicyclists; horses
Emergency signals:
- be visible (stop where drivers have clear view); use two-way radio (CB) or cell. phone to notify authorities
- if have to stop: get off road away from traffic if possible; turn on flashers and leave headlights on at night
- try to warn other road users: place emergency flares 200-300 ft. behind stopped vehicle or stand by road and wave traffic around
- never stand in roadway (do not change a tire if have to be in traffic lane)
- lift hood or tie white cloth to antenna, side mirror, door handle to signal emergency
Stay out of the blind spot:
- avoid driving on either side of another vehicle; don't tailgate; when passing go through quickly; do not stay beside large vehicles
Letting others know what you are doing:
- signal when changing direction (easy to miss people); 100 ft. before maneuver; avoid ambiguity; off when done
- hand signals: right = hand up, left = hand out, stop/slow = hand down
- indicate slowing down (tap brakes) to turn off roadway without exit lines, to turn before intersection, to avoid something in road
Adjusting to road conditions:
- reduce speed 10 mph on wet road; cut in half on packed snow; snow tires or chains when road has snow or required by signs; on ice slow to crawl
Spot slippery roads:
- on cold wet days shady spots can be icy (freeze first, dry out last)
- overpasses and bridges can have icy spots even when other pavement is not (no earth to insulate)
- when temperature nears freezing ice can become wet (more slippery than well below freezing)
- if raining on hot day pavement cab be very slippery for first few minutes (heat causes oil in asphalt to come to surface)
Water on roadway:
- most tires good traction to 35 mph, then may hydroplane, even lose all contact at 50 mph (worn tires sooner); slow down best
- if hydroplaning: ease foot off gas, keep steering wheel straight unless emergency, do not stop/turn until tires grip again
Adjusting to traffic:
- keep pace with traffic (slow moving vehicle on two lane road unsafe to pass, 5+ vehicles behind, must pull over)
- enter traffic: signal enter at same speed traffic is going (do not stop)
- leave traffic: keep up as long as on main road; do not slow down until on ramp
- slow moving traffic: watch for large trucks or small underpowered cars on steep grades or entering traffic (can take longer); farm tracters/animal-drawn/maintenance vehicles usually go 25 mph or less (orange triangle)
Trouble spots:
- busy areas e.g. shopping centers parking lots downtown; rush hours; narrow bridges/tunnels; toll plazas
- schools/playgrounds/residential streets, railroad crossings, work zones
How well can you see: (see also Scanning above)
- at 50 mph takes about 400 ft. (1 city block) to react; 30 mph 200 ft. (1/2 block)
- harder to see at night; headlights about 400 ft. (drive about 50 mph)
- rain/fog/snow may restrict to 200 ft. (drive about 30 mph); if heavy, may need to pull off and wait
Sharing space:
More space ahead:
- slippery, driver beind wants to pass, following motorcycles/drivers who cannot see you/with heavy load/emergency vehicles, when hard to see, followed closely, railroad crossings, stopped on hill (vehicle in front may roll)
More space behind:
- stopping for passengers, parallel parking, driving slowly (let people pass), tailgated (move right or slow down slowly)
Space to the side:
- avoid driving next to other vehicles esp. trucks (may not see you)
- maximize space between opposing traffic, parked cars (pull/step out), pedestrians, bicyclists (do not share a lane)
- make room for vehicles entering roadway
- split the difference between two hazards (or more space on the more dangerous side)
- when possible take hazards one at a time e.g. oncoming vehicle and overtaking a bicycle (slow down)
Space to merge:
- need about a 4-second gap (both have 2 second following distance); whenever change lanes, enter roadway, merge
- do not try to merge into a gap that is too small; change lanes one at a time; give entering traffic space when safe
Space to cross or enter:
- when crossing need space to get all the way across (halfway only safe with a median large enough for vehicle; else do not stop)
- if turning left make sure no vehicles/pedestrians blocking (don't be caught waiting for lane to clear with oncoming vehicles)
- even if green light do not start across if vehicles blocking; if caught in intersection when light is red, can get ticketed
- never assume another driver will share space (do not turn just because another vehicle is signalling esp. motorcycles)
- make sure can cross railroad tracks without stopping on the tracks
Space to pass (one vehicle at a time):
- at 55 mph need about 10 seconds to pass; when passing on 2-lane roadway must return to lane at least 200 ft. before oncoming
- at 55 mph travel > 800 ft. in 10 seconds (so need 1600 ft. or 1/3 mile to pass safely); vehicles far away seem to be standing still
- hills/curves: need to be able to see 1/3 mile or 10 seconds ahead (assuming oncoming vehicle)
- intersections: dangerous to pass where a vehicle may enter the road; do not crowd intersection to pass wide turning vehicles
- lane restrictions: look for bicylists/people; narrow bridge/reduced lane; ice/pothole/debris
- need space to return (don't assume other drivers will make room); don't pass if railroad grade crossing
- safe to return to lane when can see headlights of vehicle passed in rear-view mirror
Space for bicyclists:
- bicyclists share road, have same rights/responsibilities as motor vehicle driver; over 39k killed/year in US
- drivers must stop for bicyclists crossing painted or unpainted crosswalk when within one lane of their half of roadway
- drivers crossing a sidewalk must yield to bicyclists on sidewalk (bicyclists riding on sidewalk same as pedestrian; may be prohibited)
- yield to bicyclists in bicycle lane (solid white line); do not drive/park in bicycle lane except when turning
- treat as other motorist: at intersections, pasing (at least 3 ft. space)
- bicyclists have choice to ride on roadway (with traffic, near to right side of road as safe, left OK if one-way), shoulder (except marked), bicycle lane, sidewalk (yield to pedestrians, audible signal when passing)
- if parked at curb check for pedestrians/bicyclists before opening doors
- bicyclists should use hand signals when turning; riders and passengers must have own seat; must not hold/be pulled by vehicle; may ride in groups on bicycle paths/lanes, single file or pairs on public roads
- bicyclists may not carry packages unless the rider can keep one hand on the handlebars at all times
- when riding at night bicycle must have white headlight visible 500 ft. front, red reflector visible 600 ft. rear (flashing or steady red taillight may be used in addition)
- must have brake that will allow the rider to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement
- helmets recommended (not required)
Space for special situations:
- those who cannot see you: blocked, backing, snowy/icy/steamed windows, pedestrians w/ umbrellas/hats or facing away
- distracted: delivery persons, construction workers, children, drivers not paying attention
- confused: tourists, drivers slowing for no reason, drivers looking for signs/houses/landmarks
- in trouble: if makes mistake in passing, let them back in; if suddenly changes lanes, let them merge
Be in shape to drive:
Vision:
- need 20/40 in at least one eye with or without corrective lenses; need good side vision
- need to be able to judge distances/speeds; night vision more difficult (glare)
Hearing:
- horns, sirens, etc. warn of danger; hearing impaired rely on other senses, driving records as good as hearing drivers
Fatigue:
- get night's rest, only leave when rested, no drowsy medicine, eat lightly, take breaks (hourly when necessary, fresh air, drink)
- plan plenty of time, try not to drive at night, never drive when sleepy (switch if possible)
Alcohol and driving:
- involved in 40% of fatal traffic collisions; use designated driver
- affects areas of brain that control judgement and skill (puts good judgement on hold)
- slows reflexes, reaction time, reduces ability to see clearly, makes less alert (in proportion with amount)
- best: if you drink don't drive; 1 drink = 1/2 oz. 80-proof (shot glass), 12 oz. beer, 5 oz. wine
- takes body about 1 hour to get rid of each drink; no way to sober up quickly; 2+ drinks = impaired (illegal)
Alcohol and the law:
- can be arrested for BAC > 0.08 (0.02 under 21) BAC; DUI possible at lower levels too
- implied consent law: by operating a motor vehicle agree to breath or blood BAC test
- first arrest 7 yrs. and BAC, suspended 90 days (may be eligible for operational/restricted after 30 days)
- first arrest 7 yrs., refuse BAC test, license revoked for 1 year
- second arrest 7 yrs., license revoked for 2 years (greater of 1 year or until 21 if < 21)
- may request a hearing from the DOL in all cases before penalties go into effect
- alcohol-related offenses appear on driving record 15 years
- if found guilty of driving impaired, first conviction, fined up to $5k + court costs etc., 1-365 days jail, license revoked 90 days-1 year; prior convictions can result in other penalties such as 150 days home detention and license suspension/revocation up to 4 years; other possible penalties include:
- required proof of insurance (SR22)
- license reapplication, knowledge/skill testing, $150 reissue fee
- seizure and loss of vehicle
- installation of ignition interlock up to 10 years (additional 60 days if passenger < 16)
- under open container law, infraction:
- drink any alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle on a highway
- possess any open container containing alcohol in motor vehicle on highway
- incorrectly label/possess original container of alcoholic beverage or place a.b. in container labelled as containing non-a.b.
- for registered owner/driver to keep open container in vehicle on highway unless in area not normally occupied by driver/passengers; cannot be kept in any accessible storage compartment
- certain exceptions for living quarters of motor homes and campers
Probationary licenses:
- if convicted of driving/physical control over vehicle while UI or granted deferred prosecution, probationary license required 5 years; cost additional $50 at issuance/renewal
Deferred prosecution:
- as of Jan. 1, 1999, 1 per lifetime; when charged DUI suffer alcoholism/drug addiction/mental problems, may be eligible
- DUI conviction postponed while complete approved treatment program; may be other requirements e.g. ignition interlock
- when requirements met DUI charges are dismissed
Other drugs and driving:
- various drugs can cause drowsiness or brief alertness then nervous/dizzy/blurred vision/concentration/etc.
- penalties same as for alcohol violation
- beware of interactions with alcohol or side effects
Juvenile alcohol/drug/firearm violations:
- 13-17 1st alcohol/firearm conviction/13-20 first drug, driving revoked > of 1 year or to 17; 2nd offense > of 1 year or to 18
- unable to obtain license/instruction permit or take driver education during revocation period
- when eligible to reinstate, need parental consent, take written and drive tests, additional $20 reissue fee
Health:
- epilepsy, make drive under control of doctor; diabetes, do not drive if chance of insulin reaction etc.; heart disease, don't drive
- emotions: angry/excited, cool off; worried/depressed/upset, keep mind on driving; impatient, allow extra time
- road rage: distance yourself, don't make eye contact, slow down/move over; if followed seek help/public area
Emergencies:
- brake failure: pump brakes several times; use parking brake slowly; shift to low gears, look for place to stop
- tire blowout: tightly steer straight, slow down gradually, pull off road in safe place
- power failure (stall): strong grip on steering wheel (lose power steering), pull off roadway (may need push hard on brake)
- headlight failure: try switch a few times, put on emergency flashers/turn signals/fog lights, pull off road as soon as possible
- gas pedal sticks: keep eyes on road, quickly shift to neutral, pull off road when safe, turn off engine
Avoiding collisions:
- stopping quickly: ABS, keep pressing brake hard (pulsing OK); else let up when skidding, reapply
- turning quickly: ABS, can turn when braking without skidding; else brake and turn separately
- better to run off the road than collide head-on into another vehicle (sometimes speeding up helps)
Dealing with skids:
- stay off the brake, steer in direction want to go (then back to avoid new skid), continue to steer
Protection yourself in collisions:
- try to lessen any injuries; most important: use lap and shoulder belts; brake to avoid hitting others (may be pushed)
- hit from rear: press against back of seat, put head against restraint
- hit from side: thrown toward side hit (air bags will not help; belt keeps behind wheel)
- hit from front: try to have glancing blow not head-on; try to turn; air bag will inflate/deflate
Collisions:
- do not stop unless involved or emergency help has not yet arrived; keep attention on driving, watch for people
- obey all police/firefighters/etc.; againt the law to drive over a firehose
- if involved, must stop; if parked, locate owner; if any casualties, must notify police (crime to leave before they get information)
At collision scene:
- if no injuries, must move off road/freeway/shoulder/median to exit ramp shoulder/frontage road/cross street/etc. ASAP
- otherwise stop vehicle at/near collision site; if can move get off road so does not block traffic/cause another collision
- turn off ignition of wrecked vehicles; do not smoke (fuel fire danger); do not go near downed power lines
- make sure all other traffic will not be involved; use flares/etc.
If someone is injured:
- get help; make sure police/emergency medical called; report any fire
- do not move injured unless in immediate danger (burning, hit by traffic); can make injuries worse
- help anyone not walking/talking; check breathing, bleeding (apply pressure directly with hand/cloth)
- do not give injured anything to drink (even water); keep warm (blanket) to prevent going into shock
Reporting the collision:
- get names/addresses of everyone involved and witnesses, including injured
- exchange information with other drivers involved, incl.: name, address, driver license number, vehicle information (plate, make, model, year), insurance company and policy number
- record any damage to vehicles involved; provide information to the police or other emergency officials if requested
- if parked vehicle, try to locate owner, else leave note with information on how can be reached and date/time of collision
- if casualties or property damage > $700 to one person's property and report not made by law enforcement officer, must report to WSDOT on collision report form within 4 days
Vehicle licensing:
- new residents register within 30 days; immediately if resident purchasing vehicle from another state
- Clark/King/Pierce/Snohomish/Spokane areas, most vehicles mf. 5-25 years ago must pass emissions test every 2 years (even if certified in another state)
- to title and register, need:
- current title and registration (if lost, apply for duplicate; copy if lienholder retains title)
- personal identification of all registered owners
- odometer reading on secure odometer form, if vehicle is less than 10 years old
- scale weight slip for trucks/trailers (except travel)/propane-powered vehicles if not shown on previous registration
- cash/personal check/cashier's check/money order for payment of licensing fees and taxes
- upon proper application, Certificate of Ownership (title) is issued; shows registered and legal owners; keep in safe place, not in vehicle
- when ownership transferred, certificate must be signed/dated by all owners; within 15 days to avoid penalty fees
- when vehicle sold/traded to private party, must report withnin 5 days
- license plates must be displayed front and rear; renewal month/year tabs required on rear plates only