MASSDOT: Registry News

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MA signs FastLane/E-ZPass Reciprocity Pacts with NH & ME - August 4, 2011

Agreements Enable Tri-State Violation Enforcement Via Information Sharing.  Enforceable penalties now include registration suspension (Maine) and denial of vehicle registration renewal (New Hampshire and Massachusetts).  The tri-state reciprocity agreements are the first such agreements in the nation and mark an important step in ensuring toll equity by addressing revenue losses caused by motorists without FastLane or E-ZPass transponders or whose electronic accounts perennially have insufficient funds.  While MassDOT previously had the ability to deny the renewal of a vehicle's registration, the agency had little recourse in pursuing out-of-state violators other than simply mailing invoices.   Click here for more information.

RMV Fees - Revised June 2011

Click here for a revised list of RMV transactions and the corresponding fees.

Duplicate certificate of titles can now be ordered online - October 15, 2010

Go Online Instead of Waiting in Line - Duplicate titles is just one of more than 18 new services added to the MassDOT RMV website in the last two years. In addition to renewing a license or registration, customers can also complete all license paperwork online and make an appointment to complete the application in a branch as well as register to be an organ tissue donor, book a road test and sign up for a free reminder service.

Customers will find the service easy to use and is a secure transaction, which can be paid for by credit card or electronic check. The title will be mailed to the vehicle owner's address within two business days of being processed online.

The transaction cannot be processed online if the certificate of title has not been issued, is revoked or suspended, has been junked, returned, a Memorandum Title has been issued, or a lienholder is listed on the RMV's database.

The Safe Driving Law becomes effective in Massachusetts - September 30, 2010
These new violations include:

1. Use of a Mobile Phone or Mobile Electronic Device by a Junior Operator
Civil Offense-No Surcharge

2. Use of a Mobile Phone by a Public Transport Motor Vehicle Operator Civil Offense-No insurance surcharge

3. Use of a Mobile Phone by a Public Transport Non-Motor Vehicle Operator Civil Offense-No insurance surcharge (MBTA Trolley)

4. Improper Use of a Mobile Phone by Operators 18 and Over
Civil Offense-No insurance surcharge (One hand must be on the steering wheel at all times and no use of device can interfere with driving)

5. Sending/Reading Text Messages
Civil Offense-No insurance surcharge (Operators cannot use any mobile telephone or handheld device capable of accessing the Internet to write, send, or read an electronic message including text messages, emails, and instant messages or to access the Internet while operating a vehicle. Law applies even if the vehicle is stopped in traffic.)

6. Negligent Operation & Injury from Mobile Phone Use
Criminal Offense- Insurance surcharge

Reporting an emergency is the only exception. Drivers are encouraged to pull over and stop the vehicle to report the emergency.

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Online crash reports offered by MassDOT - February 1, 2010

Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced that motorists can now order crash reports online at the Registry of Motor Vehicle’s (RMV) virtual branch at www.mass.gov/rmv.

RMV maintains the state’s database of crash reports which are completed by law enforcement officers who may investigate a crash. Drivers involved in a crash are also required by law to complete an operator report on the circumstances of the crash and submit it to the RMV if property damages exceed $1,000 or there is personal injury.

The new crash report web service will enable the RMV to process the request within 24 hours once it is found and deliver electronic reports by email. The cost for a database search remains the same at $20 per record request.
 

***The MA Registry of Motor Vehicles now falls under MassDOT
IMPORTANT NOTICE!

Due to the creation of the new Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), effective November 1st customers paying the RMV by check (or money order) should make their checks payable to MassDOT.

***RMV Formally Announces Operational Changes***

RMV MAILINGS
The RMV will eliminate courtesy notices that are sent to customers for the following services:
 
*License and Mass ID renewal notices.
*Vehicle Inspection reminder letters for vehicles that are overdue for inspection
*Inspector license renewal notices
*7D license renewal notices
*Driver's Education Certificates
*Junior Operator Brochures for parents
*Change of address labels