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Q: After reading your column regarding the scammer on the Interstate 280 to 880 flyover, I felt compelled to reply. This just happened to a friend of mine in San Mateo.

A well-dressed man in a nice Mercedes-Benz flagged him down on the freeway on-ramp/off-ramp at 101 and 3rd Avenue. The man practically jumped in front of my friend’s truck! My friend, who had to swerve to avoid hitting him, stopped.

The flagger had a sob story about how he ran out of gas and was going to miss his flight to Miami. My friend was gullible enough to give him $120 for a gold ring and necklace the scammer offered, saying that the ring, alone, was worth over $1,000.

Too good to be true? It was. The jewelry was junk. Motorists beware.

Q: I was getting on 280 North via 17, and saw a driver on the side of the on-ramp, gesturing for others to stop. Following my natural instinct to be helpful, I stopped ahead of him and turned on my hazard lights. He was dressed well and wore several gold chains and large gold rings. He said he had run out of gas, lost his wallet, and offered an obviously fake gold ring in exchange for gas money. He was not threatening, but I refused to help and drove away, mentally kicking myself for having stopped. I’ve learned my lesson. If they are truly in trouble, they can call the police for help.

A: This is incredibly dangerous. Never stop along the freeway. Call 911 if you want to help someone in possible distress, or to report one of these potential roadside scams.

Q: Is it legal in California to have a sticker for a front license plate? I own a Tesla 3 and am reluctant to attach the state-issued metal license plate.

A: In 2013, Senate Bill 806 created a pilot program to allow the use of a license plate wrap in lieu of a front metal license plate. The program expires on January 1, 2023. Only one company, License Plate Wrap, licenseplatewrap.com, is currently DMV-approved to provide the wraps.

Q: A few weeks ago, I saw another horrific accident at the Mission exit off southbound 680. There is a simple solution that would stop drivers from cutting into the line at the last moment. Caltrans should install a hard cement wall, starting 1/2 mile before the exit. Simple, practical, low cost, long overdue, and no line of cars to dive-bomb.

A: I understand your point about needing a solution here. A safer alternative might be a long row of pylons as a concrete barrier could also lead to dangerous crashes.

Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.

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