Archives for July 2011

Stalemate in Minnesota Shutdown Affects DMV

“The Minnesota state government officially shut down all non-essential services on Friday, July 1st, 2011. The situation is eerily similar to what is presently occurring in Washington, D.C. Because the executive and legislative branches of government, at odds over spending and taxation, were unable to reach a budget compromise. While the kings and queens of the political chess board do battle, it is the pawns that are paying the price. In this case, the pawns are the citizens of Minnesota.

This has left the citizens with many questions regarding what government services will be provided and what services will not be provided during the Minnesota government shutdown. In particular, how the shut down relates to motor vehicle registration and licensing to drive. Because the law enforcement agencies in the state will still be operating and expecting to see the proper licenses and documentation for operating a motor vehicle on the state’s roadways.

The Department of Driver and Vehicle Services will not be operational during this shutdown. Kind of, sort of, well, they will to a degree. The computerized functions of the DVS will still be functioning. The data bases used by law enforcement will remain operational and online. The walk-in offices that fill the majority of citizens needs will not. The services that are taken for granted will for the most part not be fully available until the situation is resolved.

Drivers license renewals can be done by county Deputy Registrars. However, all that will be issued to those renewing a license will be paper documentation. That lovely photo that accompanies the laminated card will have to wait until the DVS offices statewide reopen.

Those reaching that magical age of sixteen expecting to apply for a drivers license will just have to wait. No new licenses will be issued because there will be no driving examinations given until the shutdown is ended. The same thing applies to new residents moving into the state. They will not be able to obtain a Minnesota drivers license either. The vendors that produce them are not working. You will just have to wait.

Another item that is worrying to motorists is renewing a license plate and registration on their vehicle. The good news is that as long as a local DVS office has a supply of them, residents and businesses will be able to obtain a new plate or tab and the requisite registration documentation.

The bad news is that while this shut down is ongoing, there will be no new registration of commercial motor vehicles. There will be no car inspections performed during this period either. You will just have to wait. The lack of new registration of commercial vehicle registration is of particular concern to businesses and individuals. The state employed inspectors are not working.

Commercial vehicles move people and commodities, providing a great many people with a job driving these vehicles. The fact that no new registrations will be issued until the conflict is resolved is of particular concern. Commercial vehicles are replaced on a consistent basis due to the wear and tear inflicted by the nature of the use of these vehicles. Taxi cab and tractor trailer fleets unable to be replaced and registered; the men and women who inspect these vehicles unemployed because there is no need for their services. You will just have to wait.

The effects of the longest state government shutdown in the history of the United States are just beginning to truly be felt. One thing everyone can agree on is that this a frustrating experience for all the citizens of Minnesota. This political impasse is costing the state millions in lost revenue. A cost that can only be calculated when it comes to an end.

But it is costing the state more than just revenue. The price of frustration and confusion, the price of confidence and trust in government are incalculable. Sadly, the cost to individual lives and business owners is calculable. They will just have to wait to total up the tab until after this chess match has been played.”

For more information, click here:

Minnesota Government shutdown FAQ

Minnesota North Star

Minnesota Government Shutdown Costs Taxpayers Millions

The cost of Minnesota’s Shutdown:A Warning to Washington

Texas DMV Fights Moving Scams with New Online Tools

Texas DMV Fights Moving Scams with New Online Tools

There is a new scam that is becoming quite common in Texas. Two individuals got recently scammed by a moving company they hired to move them. What happens is that they hire the moving company to move them and when the truck arrives at the destination, the company demands a payment significantly higher then what was agreed upon. In both cases the two individuals only did a verbal agreement. There are actions that could be taken to make sure that one does not get scammed. Some of the key things to do include: Getting a written contract drawn up, verifying that the company is insured, and making sure the driver has a commercial driver’s license. The DMV in Texas has set up an online site where people can verify information on various moving companies to help individuals out.

Find out more:

WFAA-TV

DMV website on moving companies

Florida Learners Permit Test Online

“Do you need to take the learners permit exam test in Florida? If so, you can now take it online again. This is a very controversial way of allowing people taking the exam test, since people can easily cheat on it. Some people agree with allowing it since it would potentially cut back on time they may spend in the Florida DMV. Florida has tried this in the past, and it was halted after six years.

Florida Learners Permit Test Online

There are a number of sites that you can learn about the Florida DMV Learners Permit test. You can pay to learn the course. There are also sites that allow you to view cheats and tips on passing the test online. This is controversial because the main goal is to have safe drivers on Florida’s roads and some don’t think that can be accomplished online.

There are even students that don’t agree with it being allowed to be taken online. They feel that it takes away from actually having to learn, since it could be used as an ‘open book’ type of test, which is a form of cheating in this case. There are places that allow you to do open book tests – the Florida DMV shouldn’t be one of them. On the other hand, there are AAA members and people that work for AAA that think the online testing is a good idea.

Rep. Irv Slosberg of Boca Raton is one of the people that think online learners permit testing is a “”no-no”” since his teenage daughter died in a car accident. Michelle Harris, who specializes in driver training by AAA, thinks it is a “”good opportunity””. The Florida Learning Permit Test was failed at the testing centers by 40% of people that passed the test online, which is why it was halted after six years. There are new measures and checks in place, now that it is back online, to stop cheating and to make sure people actually know what they are taking the test on.

What do you think? Would you take your drivers learning permit online? Would you rather go into a facility and take it? If you would take it online, why? Do you think it’s a good idea to take these sort of tests online?”

Additional information at:

Palm Beach Post

The DMV Test Online

Online Learners Permit Test Resumes Online

Learners Permit

Florida DMV