Like ticket scalpers at a major concert or sporting event, line scalping is becoming a big business in New Jersey as lines at the state’s motor vehicle commission offices are growing out of control. Each day, hundreds of people line up at their local motor vehicle commission office and hope today is their day to finally be seen to renew a license or register their new car. For many, the wait and time away from work is too great, so they have resorted to buying spots in lines.
Now, with work hard to find, people are lining up each day with the goal to sell their spot to somebody who needs it.
According to a report in North Jersey.Com today, the line scalping market is on the rise and in demand. Many in New Jersey are now complaining that they have to take a day or two off work to be serviced by the MVC only to find out when they arrive when the office opens that capacity has already been met for the day.
Two New Jersey teens have made holding spots in line a lucrative business. Alina Krupinksi and Bryanna Patterson booked their entire month of August being paid to wait on line at the Eatontown MVC office. The two entrepreneurs set up at the local office at around 3 am and usually get one of the best spots in line at the office. Patterson said she got the idea when she overheard a man in line behind say he would pay $100 for somebody to stand in line for him. From there, business soared. They travel to Hazlet, Lakewood, Eatontown and Freehold to perform their services. The pair says they spend about 6 hours in line each day, watch Netflix and keep each other entertained. They are now looking to expand their new business to include doing things for people who can’t leave their homes to go shopping, walk their dogs and more.
Governor Phil Murphy said many of the tasks people are waiting to do in person can be done online and advises residents against camping out or paying line scalpers.
“If you are frustrated, I don’t blame you. Sue Fulton doesn’t blame you. We’re still working through this,” Murphy said. “On every weekday, customers arriving at 8:00 a.m. are ticketed just as those who camp out, the exceptions are Newark Regional and Wayne, which is under construction.”
On September 10th, Murphy extended many motor vehicle deadlines due to the backup in the state system.
“The temporary, but necessary closure of our MVC facilities earlier this year has resulted in an undeniable burden on many residents,” he said. “Under the leadership of Chief Administrator Sue Fulton, the MVC has made great progress in providing residents with the services that they need, under unprecedented circumstances. This legislation will reduce wait times and allow our vulnerable populations to have the access they need to obtain critical services.”
Assembly Bill A4486 extended the validity of all driver’s license and identification card photographs from a maximum of eight years to a maximum of 12 years. The bill further allows residents 65 years of age or older to be eligible to use a stored photograph for each standard driver’s license or standard identification card renewal. The legislation also requires the chief administrator, during the COVID-19 public health emergency, to reserve one day per week or a certain time each day or each week, to be determined by the chief administrator, at certain commission agency locations to offer appointments exclusively to the following individuals to register a newly purchased, newly acquired, or transferred motor vehicle: (1) senior citizens, and (2) customers who, due to a medical condition diagnosed by a licensed medical doctor or osteopathic physician and evidenced by proof, in a form prescribed by the chief administrator, cannot wear masks or face coverings.