Gov. Murphy Signs 2 Laws To Get NJ Drivers Out Of Long MVC Lines – Cranford, NJ Patch

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy has signed two bills into law to get drivers out of the long lines that have plagued the Motor Vehicle Commission amid the coronavirus crisis.

Murphy says the new laws, which extend deadlines for some drivers, will streamline the driver’s license and registration process and reduce the long lines and hours-long waits that compel some to even bring sleeping bags when they go to the MVC.

The MVC says it’s been catching up with months of backlogged work that, along with the social-distancing measures that have taken place, has contributed largely to crippling delays in service. The backlog happened because the MVC agencies were shut down for months after the coronavirus outbreak hit in March, leaving behind a lot of unfinished paperwork.

“The temporary, but necessary closure of our MVC facilities earlier this year has resulted in an undeniable burden on many residents,” said Murphy. “Under the leadership of Chief Administrator Sue Fulton, the MVC has made great progress in providing residents with the services that they need, under unprecedented circumstances.”

“This legislation will reduce wait times and allow our vulnerable populations to have the access they need to obtain critical services,” Murphy said.

Sen. Anthony Bucco, R-Morris, who sponsored one of the bills, applauded the enactment of the pair of bipartisan laws that will help more drivers to avoid long lines at New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission agencies.

“Knowing that agencies would be overwhelmed after months of being closed, I’ve been working non-stop since May to offer practical solutions that could help drivers to avoid long lines at the MVC,” said Bucco. “I’m glad Governor Murphy has signed into law an important bipartisan bill I co-sponsored that will allow more drivers to renew their licenses online while skipping the trip to the MVC.”

Here is what Murphy signed:

Extending deadlines

Murphy signed legislation (A4520) that allows people who move to New Jersey from other states during the pandemic up to 120 days to obtain a New Jersey driver’s license and to register their vehicle.

In normal times, new residents are required to obtain a New Jersey license and registration within 60 days.

While the pandemic put many things on hold, Assemblyman Daniel R. Benson said, drivers still need the ability to get new licenses or register vehicles during this crisis.

“We have to do whatever it takes to fix the MVC, so you don’t have to camp out overnight or wait all day at an agency just to get these simple tasks done,” said Benson, D-Mercer. “This law will give many drivers relief, while helping the MVC eliminate its backlog.”

New residents who’ve just moved to New Jersey could not update their documentation online, said Assemblyman Anthony S. Verelli, D-Mercer. With only two months to register vehicles and get new licenses, he said, new residents were rushing to MVC agencies to get their new information squared away.

“By doubling the amount of time they’ll have to visit the MVC, we’ll make the process easier on the agency and residents alike during these difficult times,” he said.

“Skip the trip”

Murphy today signed legislation (A4486) which authorizes the Motor Vehicle Commission to use stored driver’s license or identification card photos for longer than eight years.

The bill also limits certain appointment times at MVC locations to senior citizens and people with certain medical conditions during COVID-19 pandemic.

“Over the past year we’ve more than doubled our online transactions; A4486 will allow even more New Jerseyans to ‘Skip the Trip’ to Motor Vehicle Centers,” said Fulton. “We continue to work collaboratively with our legislative partners and the governor’s office to overcome the obstacles posed by COVID-19, reduce wait times, and keep New Jerseyans on the road.”

A4486 extends the validity of all driver’s license and identification card photographs from a maximum of eight years to a maximum of 12 years. The bill also allows residents 65 years of age or older to be eligible to use a stored photograph for each standard driver’s license or standard identification card renewal.

The legislation also requires the chief administrator, during the COVID-19 public health emergency, to reserve one day per week, or a certain time each day or each week, to offer appointments exclusively to the certain people to register a newly purchased, newly acquired, or transferred motor vehicle.

Those people would be senior citizens and customers who, due to a medical condition diagnosed by a licensed medical doctor or osteopathic physician and evidenced by proof, cannot wear masks or face coverings.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Benson noted, businesses across the nation have designated seniors-only hours for elderly residents.

“I am pleased the MVC will now do the same,” he said. “With designated appointment times, seniors will be able to access MVC services while largely avoiding crowds. Additionally, extending the time the MVC can use stored photos to update driver’s licenses will limit the number of times seniors need to visit the MVC amid this public health crisis.”

The legislation will take effect immediately.