LD1: South Jersey is Deprived – Make MVCs a Closer Drive

South Jersey Residents Forced to Drive Hours to Access Basic MVC Services

Senator Michael Testa Jr. and Assemblymen Antwan McClellan and Erik K. Simonsen (all R-1) are calling for the Murphy administration to expand New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) services in Cumberland, Atlantic, and Cape May counties.

“I have received call after call from constituents complaining they have to drive hours to take road tests, transfer titles, and return plates,” said Testa. “The nearest road test facility is in Salem County, a 90-minute drive from Cape May County. As always, South Jersey residents continue to get the short end of the stick under the Murphy administration. I am calling for the governor to restore all MVC services locally for Cumberland, Atlantic, and Cape May county residents.”

After being closed for months due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission reopened on July 7th. Long lines and wait times ensued, with many residents being turned away. Not all MVC services were fully restored in South Jersey.

“From day one I have said that South Jersey may be the bottom of the state, however, we do not deserve to be treated like the bottom of the barrel – the MVC fiasco is no different,” Assemblyman Simonsen said. “For nearly 7 weeks, our residents have been told to drive all over the Garden State for services that could be provided right here in Lower Township. Commissioner Fulton needs to travel to South Jersey to understand that taking a day off work to head to the MVC at the crack of dawn is an unacceptable request for the hardworking residents of South Jersey.”

“An individual’s zip code should not determine the service you are provided by YOUR government,” Assemblyman McClellan stated. “It is time the Motor Vehicle Commission provides accessible services to all of the Garden State, not locations dictated by a Trenton bureaucrat. If North Jersey MVC locations are able to provide safe services for their local residents – it’s time our locations can provide the same services.”

“Not only are South Jersey residents forced to drive an hour plus, but they’re also greeted with ridiculously long lines and chaos upon their arrival,” added Testa. “MVC agencies now have been reopen for six weeks. We need to expand access and ensure that nobody is turned away from the most basic of government services.”

The legislative district team noted that their office is able to remotely assist individuals needing assistance with the Motor Vehicle Commission, including vehicle registration and title transfers. Please call 609-778-2012 or email SenTesta@NJLeg.org.