Court Opinion

ID: 9846871
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-09-24 03:49:47.49216+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:16:56.414632
License: Public Domain

MOSK, J.
I dissent.
The petitioner insists he had no actual knowledge that his license had been suspended; the Attorney General maintains constructive knowledge is sufficient. I would hold that petitioner had actual knowledge of sufficient relevant facts for the invocation of Vehicle Code section 14601.
Petitioner knew that on November 10, 1965, he was involved in an automobile accident. He knew, or should have known, *318that Vehicle Code section 16080 requires a driver “within 50 days after an accident to establish his exemption from security.” He knew that he did not do so. He knew, or should have known, that upon failure to do so the Department of Motor Vehicles is mandatoriiy compelled to suspend his privilege to drive a motor vehicle; that the suspension shall become effective not later than the 76th day after receipt of the accident report by the department, and that reports are filed with the department on or before the 5th of the month following the accident. (Veh. Code, § 20008, subd. (a).)
Thus, by a process of simple mathematical computation this petitioner knew that no later than 76 days after December 5, 1965, his license was suspended pursuant to process of law. With that knowledge he nevertheless continued, with apparent unconcern, to operate his vehicle.
I find unconvincing petitioner’s contention that he is absolved from consequences of the foregoing knowledge by virtue of his admitted violation of still another statute, Vehicle Code section 14600, subdivision (a) : failure to notify the department of his change of address. Under his interpretation, one who moves frequently and fails to comply with section 14600, subdivision (a), can indefinitely avoid responsibility under sections 16080, 14601, and others requiring either notice or knowledge. In my opinion, the Legislature did not intend such fortuitous enforcement of statutes designed to promote safety on the highways.
I would deny the writ.
Me Comb, J., concurred.