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Long lines form outside NJ Motor Vehicle Centers for second day following reopening
Drivers were already in line overnight at several New Jersey MVCs after a day of long lines Tuesday.
TRENTON, N.J. - Drivers in New Jersey are facing extremely long lines when the head to the state's motor vehicle centers for the second straight day.
The state's MVCs reopened on Tuesday for the first time in months after closing due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Lines at some locations were hours long, snaking down the block before the sun even came up.
Police had to shut down one center in Bergen County because of the 'overwhelming demand.'
MORE: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission centers reopen to long lines Tuesday
There were also reports of a fight at the MVC in Trenton.
MVC officials say they are sending extra workers to the busiest locations to help cut down on the wait times.
FOX 29's Steve Keeley was outside the MVC in Medford Wednesday morning where he says people had camped out overnight to get to the front of the line.
MVCs open at 8 a.m. in New Jersey and are working under limited hours of operation with limited capacities due to the pandemic.
Washington Township police say the Turnersville MVC cut their line off at 275 people Wednesday morning and will not see anyone today who did not receive a ticket. They added that officers would be on scene to "maintain order and social distancing practices."
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Gov. Murphy comments on long lines at state's motor vehicle centers
The governor also announced that MVC workers will be exempt from furloughs and centers will remain open on Mondays throughout July.
Governor Murphy commented on the issue during his daily press conference on Wednesday, while reminding drivers that expiration dates for the following were automatically extended at the beginning of the shutdown:
- Permits
- Non-driver IDs
- Commercial registrations
- Inspections
- Temporary tags
Drivers were encouraged to take advantage of the extensions in order to cut down on crowding.
"I completely understand the frustration felt by every customer forced to wait on long lines yesterday at @NJ_MVC as we reopen and deal with the months and months of backlog due to #COVID19. What many experienced was not up to their expectations, or ours, and we will do better," Murphy said on Twitter. You’re not happy, and neither am I. @NJ_MVC Chief Administrator Sue Fulton recognizes this, too, and is committed to meeting the needs of our residents and motorists. We’re going to work harder, and work better, to deliver a better experience."
The governor also announced that MVC workers will be exempt from furloughs and centers will remain open on Mondays throughout July – a reversal from prior plans. Agencies will be closed this Saturday, but beginning on Monday, will be open six days a week.
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