Do you have questions about general driving-related requirements like registration and insurance? Are you unclear about laws and restrictions related to driving? The California Department of Motor Vehicles has answers. “Save Time by Going Online,” at www.dmv.ca.gov.

Q: Why are some areas in my city regarded as “double-fine” zones?

A: Due to increased accidents, injuries and fatalities, certain roads are designated “Safety Enhanced— Double Fine Zones.” Fines are doubled in these areas as well as in highway construction or maintenance zones when workers are present.

Pay extra attention where road work is being performed. Signs and message boards warn you of workers, slow-moving equipment and closed lanes ahead. Cones and/or drums will direct you to open lanes. Merge as soon as possible without crossing the cones or drums. Reduce your speed and be prepared to merge early, slow down or stop for highway equipment.

Do not use your phone in a Cone Zone and keep your eyes on the road and vehicles ahead.

Remember to “Slow for the Cone Zone.”

Q: I am a first-time car buyer looking to purchase a used car in the next month. In my search, I’ve noticed some amazing cars have “salvaged” titles. What does this mean?

A: A “salvaged” vehicle is one that’s been wrecked or damaged in some way, and the owner, insurance company, financial institution or leasing company considers it too expensive to repair. These cars are also commonly referred to as “totaled.”

DMV issues a salvage certificate when it receives a report of the damage. A salvaged title is issued after the vehicle is repaired and re-registered. This is probably what you’re seeing in the car ads.

Always protect yourself by researching the vehicle’s history online by using the VIN (vehicle identification number), making sure the car has complete existing DMV paperwork or asking the seller to provide receipts of the repairs made to the car. If you still have doubts, get the car inspected before you buy it.

For more information, go to www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/ buyinfo.htm.

Q: My husband and I are interested in buying a houseboat for our annual vacation next summer. Do we register it with the DMV like any other boat?

A: Yes, you must register your new houseboat with the DMV like any other boat. A houseboat is considered a “vessel,” and every sail-powered vessel more than 8 feet in length and every motordriven vessel used on the waters of this state (regardless of length) that isn’t documented by the U.S. Coast Guard is subject to registration by DMV. Without paying the applicable fees, your houseboat cannot be placed in California waters. You can obtain more information on the DMV website at www.dmv.ca.gov/boatsinfo/ boatreg.htm.

Q: I really want to become an organ donor the next time I renew my driver’s license, but I heard it might be costly to my family. Is this true?

A: Absolutely not. Costs related to organ and/or tissue donations will be covered by the organ and tissue donor program, so you will not be responsible for any aspect of the donation process. However, medical care up to the point of donation and funeral costs remain the responsibility of a relative or person in charge of the estate. To learn more and to sign up online to be an organ and tissue donor in California go to www.dmv.ca.gov/about/ donateLife/donateLife.htm.

Q: My son’s friend just got his driver’s license and has offered to give my son a ride to school since we live nearby. Both boys are 17 and tell me it’s legally okay, but I suspect they may be bending the rules.

A: Your parental instincts are correct. Your son’s friend has been issued a provisional driver license, and if he wants to transport your son he needs to be accompanied and supervised by a licensed parent, guardian or other licensed driver 25 years of age or older for the first 12 months after he received his license. Go to www.dmv.ca.gov/teenweb/ dl_btn2/dl.htm for more details.

Q: My mother is elderly and insists on driving herself everywhere she goes. Twice when I’ve been in the car with her I’ve had to remind her to put her seat belt on. Does the DMV have some sort of test she can take to see if she is still okay to drive?

A: Most definitely. Visit www.DMV.ca.gov and click on the “Seniors” tab near the top of the homepage.

There you will find a Senior Driver Self-Assessment test (www.dmv.ca.gov/about/senior/ senior_self_ess.html) that you can take with your mother.