NJ DMV Changes Raise Fees

Some big security and high-tech changes are under way at New Jersey's Department of Motor Vehicles.

The changes come after licenses and registrations were issued to some of the Sept. 11 hijackers and the D.C. sniper suspects.

For all New Jersey residents, new fees will be going into effect to pay for problems in state services. First, it was the auto emissions problem. Then, it was problems with EZPass and now it is the Department of Motor Vehicles that is under the microscope.

Authorities said that the spotlight on the DMV is partly because suspected terrorists were allegedly using the DMV to get the documents they needed to carry out their crimes.

Gov. James McGreevey used many words to describe the New Jersey DMV in a speech Thursday, including corruption, fraud, mismanagement and ineptitude.

"As a result, the owner of a car used by the sniper was able to register his car in New Jersey, even though his insurance was not current," McGreevey said.

In addition to the sniper suspects, some of the Sept. 11 hijackers got replacement drivers licenses in New Jersey because there was no system in place to stop them.

McGreevey and many New Jersey residents described the state DMV as being difficult to get to, with long lines, outdated computers and unsecured locations.

The governor announced his plan Thursday to abolish the privately-managed DMV agencies and sink $150 million into a complete overhaul. Among his plans are tighter security, employee inspections, new computers and software, a new phone service and better customer service.

Of course, it comes with a price tag.

"The new computer and phone service with the additional expanded DMV Web site will cost $100 million," McGreevey announced.

Here is how residents will pay for it, according to McGreevey's plan:

The fee for a driver's license will increase from $16 to $22. The increased fees include the switchover to the digital photo licenses.

Car registrations will increase from $61.50 to $69.50, except for senior citizens.

But along with the bad news, there is also some good news for New Jersey residents.

For the first time DMV offices will be open on Saturdays, starting after Jan. 1. Also for the first time, some services will be available over the Internet.

For a look at McGreevey's plan to fix the New Jersey DMV, click here.

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Author: Copyright 2002 by NBC 10. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.