Senator Bucco Warned Chief Administrator of Backlogs and Requested a Plan Two Months Ago

Long lines, three-hour wait times, traffic blocking roads and highways. That’s the scene many New Jersey drivers are finding at Motor Vehicle Commission agencies across the state.

“It is exasperating,” said Senator Anthony M. Bucco. “Agencies have been shut down for months, and there are significant backlogs of renewals and transactions that must be completed. I as much as predicted this two months ago and I asked the commission for a plan. They ignored me, they ignored New Jersey residents, and this is the result.”

On May 7, Bucco wrote to NJMVC’s chief administrator, B. Susan Fulton. “I suggest that you consider alternate ways to complete some of these services remotely in the interim. Perhaps you can consider what other states are doing in this area. Procedures such as on-line title transfers and issuing temporary licenses to new drivers under a protocol you develop to help lessen the anticipated overwhelming need when the agencies reopen,” Bucco wrote. “In an effort to lessen the anxiety of my constituents, I would respectfully request an overview of your plan for reopening.”

The horror story materialized in real life today as agencies reopened for the first time since March 15.

“Clearly, they have no plan,” Bucco said. “Look at the situation. The lines are horrendous. They had to know this was coming. I warned them and everybody knew it. This is a failure of leadership from the top down, and New Jersey residents deserve better.”

Media reports a “free for all” and even fights at some agencies.

“It’s not a safe situation. There’s a health issue with this many people packed into one place and standing in line for hours,” Bucco said.

The Senator suggested extending the expiration dates on driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations once again to limit the urgency and the crowds.

“MVC is overwhelmed and understaffed,” Bucco said. “This should have been handled better, but for now, let’s push the pause button and buy some time. People shouldn’t have to put their health at risk and waste a day to renew their paperwork.”