It’s always wise this time of year to dust off our winter driving skills because we never know when Mother Nature will send nasty weather our way.

• Practice handling your vehicle on ice and snow in an empty parking lot.
• Make sure brakes, wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust system are in top condition.
• Check that antifreeze and windshield washer fluid are ready for colder temperatures.
• Put good snow tires (the same type) on all four wheels, and be sure they are properly inflated.
• Keep the gas tank at least half full.
• For the latest information on road conditions check newengland511.org.
• Clear all snow and ice from windows, mirrors, lights, wipers, hood, trunk and roof.
• Plan for extra time to prevent frustration when your trip takes longer due to slower speeds on slippery roads.

One of the standout features of Act 41 (signed into law in June) is the elimination of the license plate validation sticker. Say goodbye to the tedious task of affixing those stickers on your license plates. Act 41 also ushers in a new era of convenience by allowing vehicle operators to present proof of registration electronically on a portable electronic device.

This means you can now show up-to-date registration with a tap on your smartphone or other portable electronic devices. No more worrying about stickers peeling off or expiring.

Act 41 reflects our commitment to embracing technology and making processes more user-friendly. It's a significant step towards modernizing our systems and reducing unnecessary hassles.