RANDOLPH – The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission on Canfield Ave was turning away residents shortly after opening.
The Randolph location on Google Maps reports their operation hours from 8:30AM – 4:15PM. Patrons shared with #EyesOnNJ News they arrived as early as 5:00AM.
John Edmunds IV of #EyesOnNJ News arrived shortly after 11:00AM to observe parking overflow causing patrons to park in the street. The commission facility at 160 Canfield Ave is located on the curve of the road. Patrons who were forced to park on the street opposite the facility were reluctantly subjected to make perilous crossings. Some ran and others walked.
On the premises, adults and teens lined the perimeter of the building. Some were observing social distancing and wearing masks while many were not.
One patron stepped out of the queue line to speak with #EyesOnNJ News. While attempting to conduct an interview, #EyesOnNJ News was advised to stop filming by a masked gentleman employed by the Randolph location. The gentleman pointed out a sign confirming his claim. After departing the property, Carlos Ramos shared his story exclusively with #EyesOnNJ that he arrived at the Randolph facility before 5:00am to find more than 200 people in the queue prior.
Ramos shared that residents who arrived early conducted a hand written number system to keep order among folks hours before MVC staff were even awake. “They actually controlled the lines amongst themselves which was a really positive thing.” Ramos said.
Ramos tells that MVC staff gave out official number tickets shortly after 8:00am and he assumed he was good. He later shared that staff used an aggressive tone when advising him that duplicate license requests would not be addressed at the location.
After conducting the interview, #EyesOnNJ returned to the property to request a copy of the sign prohibiting photography. The masked employee declined to provide a hard copy but allowed #EyesOnNJ to photograph the sign prohibiting photography.
The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission officially reopened all locations on Tuesday, July 7 across the state. Most were met with long lines and police presence.
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