The state has issued 2,800 learner’s permits since a brand new legislation permitting undocumented immigrants to use for driver’s licenses took impact on July 1, Gov. Maura Healey introduced Tuesday, greater than doubling the quantity issued in the identical interval final yr.
“I think we’ve gotten off to a strong start, wouldn’t you say?” Healey mentioned on the RMV’s Haymarket location in Boston. “It’s been really, I think, great out of the gate.”
The legislation, which survived then-Governor Charlie Baker’s veto and an try to overturn it on the November 2023 poll, permits immigrants who’re within the U.S. with out authorized standing to use for a five-year Massachusetts driver’s license utilizing at the least two paperwork proving their identification and date of start. It went into impact July 1.
The 2,800 issued permits are simply the beginning, with 42,000 requests for learner’s permits appointments acquired simply days after the beginning of the month, in keeping with the RMV.
In preparation for the brand new legislation, RMV places have elevated staffing, translation companies and hours. All places are actually open Monday by Friday 8 a.m. to six p.m., and 7 places are actually open on Saturday for license appointments as properly.
Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie mentioned folks haven’t but taken benefit of the prolonged hours “as much as we hoped.”
The division does anticipate an uptick in demand as folks return from the Fourth of July vacation week, Ogilvie mentioned.
In the wake of current legislation handed in Florida invalidating use of out-of-state driver’s licenses issued to undocumented immigrants, Healey mentioned she’s assured within the licenses’ validity.
“These are Massachusetts driver’s licenses, and they should be honored by other states,” Healey mentioned.
Ogilvie mentioned the RMV couldn’t say how most of the licenses went to newly eligible immigrants as a result of “the law prohibits us from looking at data that way.”
For these making use of, the division has companies out there in 15 languages, Ogilvie mentioned, and candidates can request an interpreter once they make their appointment.
The governor additionally reminded folks to be careful for scams, which have tried to cost folks for appointments or to offer essential paperwork.
“You should only book your appointment and pay your fees through the RMV,” Healey mentioned, encouraging folks to succeed in out to the Attorney General’s workplace if “something doesn’t feel right.”
RMV officers have beforehand said they count on 280,000 folks will apply for a driver’s license throughout the first 4 years of the legislation with the best demand within the first six months.
“We know this is just the beginning,” Healey mentioned. “We’re working hard to get more eligible people a driver’s license, which we know is going to help make our roads and our community safer.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com”