DMV to remain open, asks cops to relax rules
The California Department of Motor Vehicles offices will remain open statewide amid widening coronavirus restrictions and closures, but it is asking law enforcement officers to “exercise discretion” for motorists with expired licenses or registrations for 60 days starting Monday.
The DMV said it is taking this action so that seniors and those with underlying health conditions can avoid required visits to DMV field offices for driver’s license or vehicle registration renewals.
The department has contacted law enforcement, courts and parking authorities and has “every reason to believe” they will exercise discretion “given the urgency of the situation,” department spokeswoman Anita Gore said in an email.
DMV offices will honor appointments for all services, including those to process Real ID applications. Starting Oct. 1, Americans can no longer use a driver’s license to board domestic flights, unless it is a Real ID, which has enhanced security measures. They can also use alternative forms of approved ID, such as a passport or global entry card.
Drivers must go to a DMV office to get a Real ID, and the added demand and complexity have led to long waits for appointments and long lines for those without. Some states have asked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to extend the
Oct. 1 deadline to cut down on crowds at motor vehicle offices.
In California, drivers also must visit a DMV office to get a new or duplicate driver’s license, some license renewals, new license plates, complex vehicle registrations or title transfers and offhighway permits.
Drivers 70 and older must visit an office to renew their license so they can take a knowledge test. Drivers of any age also must visit an office to renew if their last visit was 15 years ago, if they are subject to vision testing or have a “complex driving history.”
Peggy LaCunha of Castro Valley has been concerned about her elderly mother, who has an appointment at the DMV next week to take the knowledge test. “Our fear is that if her license expires, she would have to go in and do the driving test.” Although her mom is a “good driver,” taking a test is always stressful.
Gore said people are not required to take a behindthewheel test because their license has expired. Also, “there are no late penalties for renewing an expired license.”
Colorado is letting people 65 and older temporarily extend their driver’s licenses online instead of coming into an office, like they usually must do. California has not taken that step.
Some vehicle owners must come into a DMV office to renew their registration because their insurance information is outdated, their registration has been expired for 90 or more days, they have smog issues or a recent transfer. The DMV is asking law enforcement for leniency for expired registrations and “if applicable, DMV may waive vehicle registration penalties,” it said in a press release.
The DMV said it is taking precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Customers can leave the office after they register and get a text message when their place in line comes up. Also, many DMV tasks can be taken care of online.