Long lines at DMV ahead of new computer system launch
By Bianca Buono
bbuono@abc6.com
@BBuonoABC6
Rhode Island’s DMV is on the verge of rolling out a new computer system. It will replace a decades-old system; but leading up to the launch, the DMV itself has been a nightmare for Rhode Islanders.
People like Corey Odell figured by showing up to the DMV in Cranston before it opened, they would beat the lines. They were wrong. Instead, they were greeted by elevated wait times. DMV officials say they are because a new computer system is set to launch on July 5th. Officials are encouraging Rhode Islanders to head to the DMV before that happens because as with any change there will be a learning curve. They expect by next month, wait times will be even worse.
From July 5th until the 12th, the Cranston DMV will be the only one open in the state and it will be reservations only. Branches in Middletown and Woonsocket open on July 13th but will be reservations only as well.
The good news is Triple A will offer select DMV services to non-members until the end of July. Also, www.ri.gov will still be up and running. The bad news is as employees continue to adjust to the new $20 million computer system, longer than usual wait times will last until the fall, at least.
DMV officials say they’re working with TSA so expired Rhode Island licenses will be accepted for travel. They’ve also submitted a bill in Rhode Island to extend a grace period for expired licenses and vehicle registrations.
© WLNE-TV 2017
