CLEVELAND — Longer lines and longer wait times are what vehicle owners are in store for if they’re due for a trip to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles by the reinstated renewal deadline.
“Pretty much about an hour it took to get from the end of the line to the door and then once I got in it was more like 20 minutes,” said Sandi Shellman.
That’s because the extension for drivers to renew their licenses and vehicle registrations ends July 1. Last week around 330,000 people still needed to make their renewals.
The state registrar for the BMV said Wednesday that number is down but still very high.
“As of yesterday, that number was down to about 270,000, a little less than that. So, you know, that’s still a big chunk of people,” said state registrar Charlie Norman.
With enforcement of expired tags and licenses set to start again, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said while their focus during the Fourth of July weekend will be on keeping the roads safe from impaired drivers, if drivers are pulled over for expired tags or license, they may be ticketed.
“What you can look for is the possibility of receiving a written citation which does come with a fine. It is a minor misdemeanor citation for the violation. It is a no points violation on your license,” said Sgt. Nathan Dennis.
Norman said he expects the BMV to remain busy as procrastinators make their way to the offices. He said people may save time by renewing thier information online. Anyone who does have to come in, may get in line online so they don’t physically have to wait in line.
It’s something Shellman said people should do.
“To register online and then come when they give you the cue to come in because waiting in that line is not good,” said Shellman.
