Avoid roadwork and get the best E-ZPass for you

The Van Wyck Expressway at the Kew Gardens Interchange will have reduced lane capacity at off-peak hours through March 17. You can expect the same on the Grand Central Parkway between 82nd and 111th streets through December 2012. The 149th Street Bridge between 41st and Roosevelt avenues in Flushing is entirely closed for rehabilitation through May.

Dear Queens’ Traffic Guru,

Which E-ZPass is more convenient for me in my case, and where do I purchase it? I drive once or twice a month over the RFK-Triborough Bridge from East 125th Street in Manhattan to visit my daughter in South Ozone Park in Queens.

Eddie, Manhattan

Dear Eddie,

I recommend purchasing an MTA E-ZPass. The RFK-Triborogh Bridge is managed by MTA Bridges and Tunnels, so buying an E-ZPass through the MTA ensures you’ll get the full discount when you cross on that span. As a bonus, MTA doesn’t charge monthly service fees on its E-ZPass accounts.

You can apply online or download an application to fill out and mail in from mta.info/bandt/ezpass/index.html — the MTA’s website.

For more E-ZPass tips, get my 2012 Parking Calendar, which is now on sale at gridlocksam.com. You can buy one for $6, two for $10, five for $20 or 10 for $35 (plus $2 shipping/handling on all orders). Send payment to Queens’ Traffic Guru, 611 Broadway, suite 415, NY NY 10012.

Queens’ Traffic Guru

Dear Queens’ Traffic Guru,

I frequently see black or dark unmarked cars with blackened windows on the street. Sometimes they’ll blast a siren, flash a light and try to get by traffic. Are these legal? Does an ordinary driver have to give way to them as you would a police car?

Jsettle97, via e-mail

Dear Jsettle,

Authorized unmarked cars, such as those used by police and fire departments, are legal. So when they flash their lights and sound their sirens, all us ordinary drivers have to give them right of way.

As for the unauthorized drivers who try to assume those same privileges for personal gain, that’s illegal and a matter best settled by the police.

Queens’ Traffic Guru

Have questions on traffic, transit or a ticket you got? Want to know when Gridlock Alert Days are? Email the Queens Traffic Guru at TrafficGuruSS@qchron.net or write to Queens’ Traffic Guru, 611 Broadway, suite 415, New York NY, 10012.