Special to the Sun
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) announced on Wednesday, March 18, it would reopen seven of its 30 customer-service-center locations, while asking that customers who do not have immediate needs for required in-person services delay their visits.
The RMV facilities that are being reopened prioritize regional availability, accessibility and facility size and capacity. To assist with “social-distancing” and reducing facility volume, customers are asked to not bring multiple individuals with them. Meanwhile, AAA locations will continue to offer select RMV services to AAA members and road tests will be suspended indefinitely.
These steps are being taken following Gov. Charlie Baker’s declaration of a State of Emergency the week of March 9 to complement the work that has been underway for weeks across state government to keep residents safe and healthy.
Only the following seven RMV centers will be open effective March 18 until further notice: Boston/Haymarket, Brockton, Fall River, Lawrence, Pittsfield, Plymouth and Worcester. Hearings will be conducted at Boston/Haymarket, Brockton, Fall River, Lawrence and Worcester.
Road tests for permit holders are postponed at all locations through at least Friday, March 20. Road testing will resume only after cleaning, personal protective equipment and social distancing protocols have been put in place to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission for permit holders, road test examiners and others who accompany permit holders for their tests. Because the Governor’s Executive Order provides that Learner’s Permits dated between March 1 and April 30 will continue to have an active status until 60 days after their printed expiration date.
“While we are re-opening seven Registry of Motor Vehicles Service Centers to address the needs of residents and business customers, we strongly encourage those who can, to conduct their business online, by phone, by mail or to postpone a visit to the RMV and take advantage of the extension of expiration dates for licenses,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “Customers should expect longer waits as we will need to limit any crowding in the centers to comply with social distancing protocols. We will be limiting the number of people allowed inside Service Centers and once those limits are reached, customers will have to either leave and come back or wait outside until it is possible to let them in while still maintaining social distancing.”