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Malloy Moves To Cut Wait Times At DMV With Proposed Law

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- Trips to the Department of Motor Vehicles are never fun, but legislation introduced by Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy aimed at reducing wait times could make them tolerable. 

Dannel Malloy

Dannel Malloy

Photo Credit: Jay Polansky

“Long wait times experienced by customers at the DMV is simply unacceptable, and that’s why we’re outlining common-sense proposals to lower them," Malloy said in a statement Tuesday. 

"This enhanced flexibility best serves the customer, allows private contractors to conduct most routine motor vehicle transactions and, most importantly, decreases wait times at the DMV. Connecticut state government needs to be flexible and find ways to improve customer service in a cost-effective manner.” 

The legislation contains three main components. First, it will allow the state to enter into contracts with private contractors, such as AAA, to provide vehicle registration services. Currently, AAA only provides noncommercial driver’s license services. 

Second, the legislation will postpone the issuance of vessel titles until Dec. 31, 2018. That step will free up more backroom staff resources to address the immediate issue of reducing wait times in branches, as well as limit additional traffic in the immediate future within DMV branches. 

Finally, the legislation eliminates the ban on registering vehicles that have delinquent property taxes and parking tickets. Under current law, the DMV is prohibited from renewing a vehicle registration for an applicant and from registering any other motor vehicle, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle or vessel for the applicant if the department has received notification of any outstanding tax payments or delinquent parking tickets. 

This will address a substantial portion of the wait times, many of which are attributable to multiple visits by those who are denied a registration until local taxes or parking tickets are paid. By removing this prohibition, it is expected the number of customers having to make several trips will be minimized.

The bill is pending in the Transportation Committee. 

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