Q: What is the DMV’s policy for headgear when the license photo is taken?

A: The department prefers the removal of headgear, unless it is part of your normal identification, or is worn because of religious beliefs.
In those instances, headgear is permissible as long as the individual’s face is visible. Generally, headgear such as a baseball hat can obstruct the eyes, nose, mouth or cause dark shadows. This can result in unacceptable photographs and unnecessary return trips to our field offices.

Q: My husband and I have started to take daily walks around our neighborhood. We live in an area with heavy traffic and want to know if there are any rules we should keep in mind as pedestrians.

A: Thank you for seeking out information about how to be a safe pedestrian. One out of every six traffic fatalities is a pedestrian, so it is important for you to be informed. The 2009 California Driver Handbook offers these tips to pedestrians:
• Never “jaywalk,” or cross a street between intersections. Always cross at a crosswalk.
• Do not suddenly leave a curb or other safe place and walk or run into the path of a vehicle close enough to be a danger to you.
• If there is no sidewalk, walk in the direction that faces the oncoming traffic
View the California Driver Handbook online at dmv.ca.gov for more tips.

George Valverde is the director of the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Submit any DMV-related questions to
askdmv@dmv.ca.gov.