Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation

Safe Driving Student Video Contest

The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's Highway Safety Division has organized the 5th annual "Dance. Don’t Chance" prom and graduation safe driving video contest for schools across the Commonwealth.

The safe driving video contest asks students to write and produce a 60-second video to promote safe, drug and alcohol free driving both during the prom and graduation season and year-round.

The two top-rated videos will be publicly announced later this spring, with winning schools and individual students receiving prizes from participating sponsors.

Student videos must be submitted by early March 2012. Visit the "Dance. Don't Chance" website to learn more about deadlines and guidelines for participating in this year's contest.

RMV: Commercial Drivers Medical Certification

MassDOT RMV Registrar Rachel Kaprielian today announced a new federal regulation that requires action by all 180,000 licensed commercial drivers, commercial permit holders, and new commercial applicants in Massachusetts beginning this spring.
 
The new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulation requires all CDL operators to self-certify based on the type of commerce they engage in, interstate or intrastate, and whether or not they are required to obtain a US DOT Medical Certificate.  Drivers requiring a US DOT Medical Certificate must provide a copy to the RMV.  
 
“A handful of states will begin accepting self-certifications at the end of January 2012. However, Massachusetts, along with over 30 other states, is now updating its processes and should be able to handle the influx of certifications this spring at RMV branches across the Commonwealth and via online transactions,” said Registrar Kaprielian.   
 
This federal change aims to better enforce medical qualification and fitness standards of CDL operators and calls on states to add US DOT Medical Certificate information to the driver’s record for better access by other jurisdictions and law enforcement.  This will help insure that CDL operators are medically sound to operate and improve road safety.
 
Failure to self-certify by January 30, 2014 will result in the downgrade of one’s Commercial Driver’s License to a Class D license. Self-certifications must be renewed at least every two-years. US DOT Medical Certificates must be kept up to date and on file with the Registry of Motor Vehicles. 

CDL license holders should monitor the RMV website  for up to date information and the date when RMV will begin accepting certifications.  

New Guide for Parents of Teen Drivers

MassDOT Secretary Richard A. Davey today joined MassDOT RMV Registrar Rachel Kaprielian at the Boston Chinatown RMV branch to announce the availability of a new guide to optimize the 40-hours of supervised driving teens are required to complete under parental supervision prior to receiving their license.

“As young people across Massachusetts learn to drive our roadways with obvious excitement, I hope the availability of 'The Parent’s Supervised Driving Guide' will ease some of the stress and concern often experienced by the parents and guardians of new drivers,” said Secretary Davey.

Teens obtaining their learner’s permit will be given a copy of the “The Parent’s Supervised Driving Guide” at RMV branches in the Commonwealth. The guide is intended for use by parents and guardians.  The guide is provided at no cost to families or to taxpayers, through a partnership with Safe Roads Alliance, a not-for-profit advocate for improved highway safety and the guides sponsor, Safety Insurance.

The guide is divided into eleven skill sets, such as parking, backing up, city and highway driving, and asks parents and teens to initial each lesson as the material is covered and the lesson is completed. Within the guide, a log is provided to record the required driving hours, the skills covered and the time and weather conditions. The guide also offers parents guidance on how to approach each lesson as well as how to continue education once the 40 hours are completed.

MassDOT/MassDEP Vehicle Inspection Program

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and MassDOT Registry of Motor Vehicles Division today issued a two-year contract extension beginning in October 2013 for the enhanced vehicle emissions testing and safety inspection program, the Massachusetts Vehicle Check Program.

Parsons Commercial Technology Group Inc. will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of Massachusetts Vehicle Check for MassDEP and MassDOT/RMV, supporting a statewide network of more than 1,900 inspection stations and 300 registered emissions repair shops.  Parsons will also continue operating 12 conveniently located Motorist Assistance Centers to provide advice to motorists, technical assistance to repair technicians, help with getting vehicles “ready” for testing after emissions repairs, vehicle evaluations for repair waivers and economic hardship extensions, and vehicle testing quality assurance.

“Customer service is number one at the Registry,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprielian. “In this case, customers will benefit from the extension of the Massachusetts Vehicle Check Program because it allows vehicle owners the continued convenience of taking their vehicles to familiar neighborhood inspection stations.”

Passenger cars, trucks and SUVs 15 years old and newer, as well as model year 2008 and newer medium-duty vehicles, will continue to undergo annual on-board diagnostic (OBD) emissions testing.  Diesel-powered vehicles over 10,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating not equipped with OBD systems will continue to undergo annual opacity emissions testing. All motorized vehicles – including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and trailers, and motorcycles – will continue to undergo annual safety inspections.

Visit the Massachusetts Vehicle Check web site to learn more.

RMV Checks School Vehicles in Hingham

A surprise compliance check of school transport vehicles in Hingham this morning yielded 18 violations and two criminal complaints.  MassDOT RMV inspectors teamed up with the Hingham police to perform the checks outside the South Shore Educational Collaborative.

Registry inspectors and police officers stopped 62 vehicles.  Among the complaints filed- the driver of a South Shore Community Action Council van from Plymouth did not have a valid 7-D license.  Driving without the required 7-D license carries a $500 fine.

Officers also issued citations for defective equipment such as bald tires and safety violations such as vehicle overloading and not ensuring that children are properly secured in car seats or seat belts.

Repeat offenders are called in for a hearing with RMV officers which could result in the suspension of their 7-D license.

Drivers of the so-called 7-D vehicles must undergo a criminal background check to apply for a special license. The 7-D vehicles, usually cargo vans and station wagons, must also undergo special inspections twice a year to ensure safety features are working properly.

RMV teams up with local police periodically for surprise 7D compliance checks. Earlier this month, the Registry teamed up with Brockton police to issue 17 citations townwide on buses, vans and station wagons carrying youngsters to Brockton elementary schools.

RMV Pioneer Valley Partnership

MassDOT Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprielian today joined AAA Pioneer Valley President and CEO Chris Mensing at the AAA branch in West Springfield to launch the newest MassDOT/AAA partnership location to offer Registry services. This newest RMV branch will serve AAA Members residing in the Pioneer Valley at their AAA West Springfield location at 150 Capital Drive.

The program is part of the RMV focus on enhancing customer service by expanding service options and reducing wait times. AAA will offer routine license and registration renewals Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9 AM to 5:30 PM, Thursdays 9 AM to 7 PM and Saturdays 9 AM to 1 PM.

“MassDOT is committed to improving customer service,” said Registrar Kaprielian. “Our innovative partnership with AAA helps reduce wait times, and complements the service already provided by RMV employees.”

“The partnership formed with RMV last year has elevated the level of service to the state’s motorists,” said AAA President Mensing. “We are pleased to expand this successful program, already available in Framingham, Worcester, Saugus, Boston and Cape Cod, to our loyal members in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties."

For more information on the RMV, including access to expanded online services including license and registration renewals, visit http://www.mass.gov/rmv. For more information on AAA, visit http://www.aaa.com/branches.

RMV: License, ID Veterans Designation

Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray announced today that the RMV will offer Massachusetts veterans the option to have the word “Veteran” appear on their driver’s license or ID card, beginning in January 2012.

The veteran designation is designed to increase awareness about available resources and benefits. With this feature, first responders will be alerted of all veterans and the Department of Veterans’ Services will notify veterans of benefits they may not have accessed. There is no cost for the veteran designation, as long as it is added during license renewal time.

"The Registry of Motor Vehicles is excited about the new veteran designation, which is a free service upon license renewal," said MassDOT RMV Registrar Rachel Kaprielian. "Veterans who have not accessed Department of Veterans' services will find a wide of array of benefits are available."

Governor Deval Patrick last week declared November 2011 as “Hire a Veteran Month,” and the Patrick-Murray Administration announced new initiatives and resources to support the hiring of Massachusetts veterans, while increasing access to additional services. Governor Patrick also launched an Interagency Task Force on Hiring Veterans and directed all Executive Branch agencies to promote the benefits of hiring veterans. Last week’s announcements build on existing partnerships and business collaborations initiated by Lieutenant Governor Murray, chair of the Governor's Advisory Council on Veterans' Services.

Visit MassDOT RMV on the web to access online license and registration renewal and other services.

RMV "Operation Clean Sweep" in Brockton

MassDOT RMV inspectors teamed up with the Brockton police today to cite school transport vehicles for 17 safety violations in an early morning surprise inspection on 99 buses, vans and station wagons carrying youngsters to Brockton elementary schools.

Registry inspectors and police officers spread out to 11 schools as part of the joint "Operation Clean Sweep" venture, the 5th such action involving the Registry and Brockton police. Inspectors cited the drivers for violations including driving without the required 7-D license, an offense that carries a $500 fine. Officers also issued citations for defective equipment such as bald tires and safety violations such as vehicle overloading and not ensuring that children are properly secured in car seats or seat belts.

Repeat offenders are called in for a hearing with RMV officers which could result in the suspension of their 7-D license.

Registrar Rachel Kaprielian said the joint venture should serve as a deterrent to people who would transport children without obeying laws designed to ensure safety.

"We take our responsibility to protect children very seriously and we want parents to know that," said Registrar Kaprielian. "Children are our most precious cargo. Parents can aide our effort by being vigilant and asking tough questions when they hire people to transport their children to school or day care."

Drivers of the so called 7-D vehicles must undergo a criminal background check to apply for a special license. The 7-D vehicles, usually cargo vans and station wagons, must also undergo special inspections twice a year to ensure safety features are working properly.

RMV Partnership Expands Registry Services in Boston

Downtown Boston resident and business professionals have additional MassDOT RMV service options beginning today.  The Registry of Motor Vehicles Division is further expanding its partnership with AAA Southern New England to launch license and registration renewals at AAA’s Boston branch. 

MassDOT Registrar joined AAA officials for the ribbon-cutting at AAA Boston offices, left.

The AAA Boston branch is located at 125 High Street.

The program is part of the RMV’s focus on enhancing customer service by expanding service options and reducing wait times.

“MassDOT is committed to improving customer service,” said Registrar Rachel Kaprielian. “Our innovative partnership with AAA helps reduce wait times and complements the service already provided by RMV employees.” says Kaprielian.

AAA members will be able to do routine license and registration renewals during regular branch business hours, which include Saturdays from 9am-1pm.  The RMV and AAA Southern New England partnership already includes RMV services at AAA offices in Framingham, Worcester, Saugus and South Dennis.

The RMV has also expanded online services over the past three years, including license, registration, and title inquiries. To learn more, visit www.mass.gov/rmv. For directions to the Boston AAA branch, please visit www.aaa.com/branches.

MassDOT RMV Promotes School Bus Safety

MassDOT Registry of Motor Vehicles inspectors and local police handed out 110 citations in 160 cities and towns during a statewide undercover operation targeting drivers who illegally pass school buses while picking up and dropping off students.

This is the seventh year the RMV has organized "Operation Yellow Blitz" to put a spotlight on the danger such activity poses on a daily basis.

"We want to get the word out that drivers on both sides of the road need to stop when school buses pick up or drop off children," said Registrar Rachel Kaprielian who accompanied the surveillance team in Watertown last week. "Those who would ignore a stopped school bus risk injuring a child. Without exception, all traffic approaching a school bus with red flashing lights must stop."

Registrar Kaprielian said the number of participating communities increases every year, up from 30 in 2007 and 110 in 2009, and that Operation Yellow Blitz results reveal that while many people are conscientious while driving near a school bus, there is still an alarming lack of awareness.

School bus drivers, police and parents frequently inform the RMV of the danger posed by motorists who refuse to stop for a school bus. Violators face a $250 citation for a first offense and $1,000 fine and six month license suspension for a second violation within two years.

Operation Yellow Blitz is an annual program targeting problem intersections and roadways. But school bus drivers are on the lookout for non-compliant drivers every day. Drivers write down offending driver license plate numbers and report them to the RMV. Repeat violators face the possibility of an administrative hearing that can result in a driver’s license suspension or revocation.  In 2010, the RMV sent out 2,154 warning letters. So far this year, 1,625 warning letters have gone out.