Bramnick calls for license extensions

Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick called on Gov. Phil Murphy to extend driver’s license expiration dates while residents face hours-long lines at some of state’s Motor Vehicle Commission offices.

“Once again, I’m back at Springfield Motor Vehicle Headquarters. People are waiting four or five hours simply to renew a license. I call upon the governor to immediately extend the expiration dates, open these offices 24/7,” Bramnick said. “Open satellite offices so we don’t treat residents with disrespect. There’s no reason people have to stand in line for hours simply to renew their license.”

MVC chief Sue Fulton on Monday said commission offices around the state are facing long lines as a result of accepting walk-ins for those wishing to apply for real-ID licenses.

The MVC will continue accepting walk-ins through March 20.

On Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver declined to rule out extensions for expired licenses to blunt the threat posed by COVID-19, adding that such a decision would ultimately be made by Fulton.

Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said the state was unprepared on Wednesday to discourage mass gatherings.

Long lines at the what was then the Department of Motor Vehicles were a potent campaign issue in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

It’s not clear whether long lines over a span of weeks will have a similar impact.