Hazlet MVC Reaches Capacity In Two Hours, Turns Away Crowd

HAZLET, NJ – Looking to make a quick stop at the Hazlet MVC? You won't be able to do it today, according to police.

The Hazlet MVC, located at 1374 Highway 36, will only serve the first 250 customers. According to Hazlet police, the location is now full. “Please don’t waste your time today because you will not receive service," the Hazlet Township Police Department wrote on Facebook.

As Motor Vehicle Commission licensing and inspection centers opened for in-person service on July 7 after being shuttered for months, locations across the state have reported hours-long waits, extensive lines and flocks of individuals being turned away. Read more: 3-Hour Waits, Lines As NJ's MVC Reopens; Will It Happen Again?

Across New Jersey, several centers have shut down entirely to new customers, with other locations closing hours early. Eatontown and Springfield locations showed miles-long lines causing traffic congestion on adjacent roads. A fight broke out between customers in Trenton.

In Hazlet, Tuesday and Wednesday saw massive lines wrapped around Airport Plaza, with customers towing blankets, books and lawn chairs in preparation for the queue.

A handful of eager drivers spent the wee hours of Wednesday morning camping in Airport Plaza, according to photos posted to Twitter. By the time the MVC center opened its doors at 8:00 a.m., a line had already circled the building.

Hazlet DMV #overnight #campout #jetskies #wtf pic.twitter.com/NKiLLWxzZs
— Kevin Dissler (@kevdissler) July 8, 2020

Representatives from New Jersey MVC urge those that can complete transactions online, such as replacements, changes of address, and standard driver license renewals, to do so online at NJMVC.gov. Any transaction that can be done online will not be available in-person to reduce crowding. For a list of all transactions that can be completed online, click here.