2004 BMV News

TEMPORARY LOCATION FOUND FOR ATHENS LICENSE AGENCY AND OSHP DRIVER EXAM STATION 

Columbus, Ohio (January 29, 2004) – Staff members with the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) have found a temporary location to house the Athens license agency and driver exam station. 

Beginning February 2, 2004, the agency and driver exam station will be temporarily located at 200 West Union Street in Athens near O'Bleness Memorial Hospital and the Ohio University campus.  The modular facility will accommodate all customers’ needs.  The agency is currently located at 749 East State Street.  

On Saturday, January 31, the license agency will be open at the 749 East State Street location until noon.  On Monday, the agency will reopen at 8 a.m. at the new location and remain open until 6:30 p.m.  The agency will be open Tuesdays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Saturday hours from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

The driver exam station will be closed on Saturday, January 31. On Tuesday, Feb. 3, the driver exam station will resume normal business hours. The exam station is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, with Saturday hours from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

"We are working on finding a permanent location," said BMV Registrar Frank Caltrider. "We do not believe the move will disrupt business and hope to make it as easy as possible on our customers." 

The license agency and exam station will be situated with the Athens County Clerk of Courts Title Office. Customers may call the Athens license agency for directions or further information at 740-592-4667 or the driver exam station at 740-593-7111.

Ohio Sports Fans Have New Way To Support Columbus Teams

Ohio BMV Announces New License Plate Design

New License Plates Will Soon Hit Ohio Roads; Motorcycle Plates Changed to National Standard Size

Driving Privileges Can Now Be Suspended For Gas Theft

Columbus, Ohio (Tuesday, March 9, 2004) – Beginning Tuesday, March 9, 2004, a driver can be suspended for not paying to fill up his or her gas tank.

House Bill 179 allows Ohio’s courts to tell the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to suspend an individual’s license for gas theft. If the driver left the premises of an establishment selling gasoline for retail sale and the individual did not pay in full for the gasoline, a court may suspend his or her license for not more than six months. The law is in effect for a driver who dispenses fuel into a vehicle or into another container.

The six-month suspension would be applied to anyone who possesses a driver license, probationary driver license, commercial driver license, temporary permit or non-resident operating privileges.

If the individual is suspended for more than 90 days, he or she will have to pay a $30 reinstatement fee. No points will be assessed.

Governor Bob Taft signed the bill into law on December 9, 2003.

UPDATED INFORMATION:  Effective Friday, March 12, 2004, the Canton International Registration Plan (IRP) office has reopened.

Canton IRP Location Closed Until Further Notice

Columbus, Ohio (Tuesday, March 9, 2004) – The Canton International Registration Plan (IRP) office has been closed due to significant water damage. The office is expected to be closed for at least two days.

A water pipe burst above the Canton office, located at 2207 Kimball Road Southeast, spilling water and downing wires throughout the IRP center, damaging electrical wires and computers. Water has been shut off to the building. Damage assessment will be underway once the clean up has been completed.

“We apologize for any inconvenience to our customers,” said Ohio Registrar of Motor Vehicles Frank Caltrider. “We are trying to remedy the situation to accommodate the customers as best as we can under the circumstances.”

Customers are being directed to the Cambridge location, at 11137 East Pike Road. Any customers who need to drop off paperwork may do so at the Canton location. Employees are on hand to direct all customers. Customers who have questions may call 1-800-829-1040.

IRP is an agreement among 48 states, 10 Canadian Provinces and the District of Columbia allowing motor carriers to register commercial vehicle fleets for travel in all IRP jurisdictions by filing the paperwork with the home jurisdiction. The current IRP registration season begins on March 1, 2004 and ends May 31, 2004.

New Registration Information for Commercial Vehicle Owners

Columbus, Ohio (Monday, March 3, 2004) –- The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has implemented two new programs that will affect owners of commercial vehicles as they get ready to renew their vehicles for the year.

The first, staggered registration, will begin during the March – May 2004 registration period. In the past, all commercial vehicles expired on May 31^st of each year, causing congestion at International Registration Plan (IRP) centers or Deputy Registrar license agencies. The staggered registration system is designed to alleviate the congestion.

The system will be set up based on the last two digits of the owner/lessee's tax identification number or Social Security number.  Any carrier who has more than one vehicle can split the vehicles into three additional divisions. A breakdown of the new staggered registration system can be found by logging onto www.ohiobmv.com.

In order for the reassignment of commercial vehicles to take place, the BMV Registrar may require motor vehicles to be registered for a period of at least six months and no more than 17 months.

"By implementing the staggered registration system, we hope to make the registration process more convenient for owners of commercial vehicles," said Registrar Frank Caltrider.

The second program is a Performance and Registration Information Systems Management (PRISM), which will also begin during the May 2004 renewal season. PRISM is a cooperative federal and state program, which links motor carrier safety and vehicle registrations.

Commercial vehicles traveling interstate will need to receive a USDOT number (if they do not already have one). If the carrier does not have a USDOT number, a vehicle registration cannot be issued. Also, if the carrier does have a USDOT number, the carrier will need to annually update their USDOT by completing an MCS-150 form. If the carrier does not update their MCS-150 form, the carrier will not be able to register their vehicle.

If a vehicle is stopped by motor carrier enforcement, the violations will be transferred back to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If the trucking company does not comply with safety standards, FMCSA will issue an out-of-service order and the BMV will repossess the plates.

"PRISM is a great way to make sure carriers are following federal safety requirements," Caltrider said. "It will also assist in making Ohio's roads a safer place to travel."

Those commercial vehicles traveling intrastate do not need to participate in the program.  Carriers may log onto FMCSA.com to receive a USDOT number at no cost.

Ohio BMV and Ohio State Highway Patrol to Offer Services and Materials at 2004 Columbus Auto Show

Columbus, Ohio (March 5, 2004) – The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) will once again have a booth at the 2004 Columbus Auto Show to provide motor vehicle services and educational materials involving driving safety to the public. 

Auto show patrons will be able to renew their vehicle registrations, driver licenses and identification cards. Agency employees will staff the booth to answer questions and assist the public. Other BMV services that people can take advantage of include registering to vote through Motor Voter, purchasing their driver's abstract, updating addresses, and ordering replacement stickers, plates and registrations. BMV brochures will be available as well as a license plate display case to view the variations of new license plates.

"The auto show has become a great way for us to offer our services to Ohioans," said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Frank Caltrider. "We really enjoy taking part in it and having the opportunity to interact with and serve the public."

"The Patrol is again pleased to promote our safety and education efforts at this year's Columbus Auto Show," said Colonel Paul McClellan, superintendent of the Patrol. "For many Central Ohioans, it will be a good opportunity to see the technology that enhances our effectiveness and makes our patrol cars safer. The changes move the Patrol toward the goal of providing our troopers the safest, most effective and most reliable equipment available."

A new white patrol car will be part of the Patrol’s display.  Troopers will provide demonstrations with fatal vision goggles to simulate visual impairment and educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving. Uniformed officers will be available to answer questions and hand out safety materials.

The BMV and OSHP booth will be located across from the Dodge exhibit and next to the Explorer vans exhibit. The show runs from March 12 - 21.

LANCASTER ONE-STOP SHOP OPENS MAY 3

Columbus, Ohio (Friday, May 14, 2004) – The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is reminding all owners of commercial vehicles of the May 31 registration renewal deadline.

The BMV is also emphasizing to owners of commercial vehicles traveling interstate to obtain a USDOT number prior to applying for their registration.  A vehicle registration cannot be issued if the carrier does not have a USDOT number.

If the carrier has a USDOT number, the carrier is also required to annually update their USDOT number by completing an MCS-150 form.  If the carrier does not have an updated MCS-150 form, the vehicle registration cannot be renewed.

The online site to properly register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or update an existing record is: http://usdotnumberregistration.com.

Those commercial vehicles traveling intrastate do not need an updated MCS-150 form prior to renewing their registrations.

“We are encouraging customers to renew well before the deadline to minimize last-minute congestion at the agencies,” said Registrar Frank Caltrider.  “We realize long wait times are a frustration for everyone.  Not having the correct forms is an added concern.”

There are approximately 80,000 interstate commercial vehicles registered in Ohio.  As of May 7, 59,946 had renewed.  Customers are able to renew registrations for interstate vehicles at agencies located in Columbus, Cincinnati, Canton, Cambridge and Findlay.

NOTE: The last day to register commercial vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers is Saturday, May 29, 2004.  All Deputy Registrar license agencies will be closed on Sunday, May 30, 2004, and again on Monday, May 31, 2004, in observance of Memorial Day.

For more information, please log onto OhioBMV.com.

Columbus, Ohio (Wednesday, May 12, 2004) – With warmer months approaching, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) would like to remind Ohioans that motor scooters are illegal on Ohio’s roadways unless titled, registered, covered by the proper financial responsibility, and the individual operating the motor scooter has a driver license and motorcycle endorsement.

Many of the small electric and gas powered motor scooters, which are sold in sporting or department stores, through the Internet, or on street corners, do not fit the criteria to be titled or registered. Therefore, the scooters are not to be permitted on Ohio’s roadways. For roadway travel, the motor scooter must have a seat and be designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. The scooters must have proper brake lights, turn signals, a horn and rear view mirrors.

If the scooter fits the criteria to be ridden on the roadways, an individual must have the motor scooter inspected by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. If the scooter passes the inspection, the scooter may be titled and then registered. The owner must carry financial responsibility coverage on the scooter. Also, the rider must be at least 16 years old with a motorcycle license or motor cycle endorsement on their driver license.

“We are looking out for the children’s safety,” said Registrar Frank Caltrider. “It’s important that drivers know Ohio’s road laws and signs before they attempt to operate a vehicle of any type on Ohio’s roadways. Parents and grandparents are buying these small scooters assuming they can be legally operated, which often turns out not to be true.”

Individuals should contact local law enforcement with questions about how the laws that govern the use of motor scooters will be enforced in a particular jurisdiction.

Columbus, Ohio  (August 27, 2004) – The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles has begun using the National Motor Vehicle Titling Information System, a disclosure and information database that links states together to prevent the titling of stolen motor vehicles and discloses any brands associated with a particular motor vehicle.

“This new technology will help us cut down on auto theft and fraud in Ohio,” said Registrar Frank Caltrider.  “It gives us an additional tool to use in our consumer protection and anti-fraud efforts.”

Under the new system, when a customer enters a county title office with documents to apply for an Ohio title, the Vehicle Identification Number is automatically checked against the active National Crime Information Center theft file. If the VIN matches a theft hit with NCIC, the BMV will place a NMVTIS hold on the record and a title will not be issued. The customer will then need to contact law enforcement to verify ownership.

A title brand is a consumer protection notification. If a title is branded as a previous flood vehicle, that tells a customer the vehicle was involved in a flood and may have damage later down the road. Other brands include, salvage vehicle, previous salvage, previous law enforcement vehicle and previous taxi.

There are 10 states that take part in NVMTIS, including Ohio. The Anti Car Theft Act of 1992 required the Federal Department of Transportation to develop a NMVTIS system. In 1996, the Anti Car Theft Improvement Act shifted responsibility for the system to the Department of Justice.

Columbus, Ohio (August 2, 2004) – Visitors to the Ohio State Fair will once again be able to take advantage of driver services offered in the Bricker Building by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).   

"We have customers who return every year to do their BMV business at our fair agency," said Registrar Frank Caltrider. "We look forward to the fair every year. Our employees love it and so do the drivers of Ohio."

The license agency will be issuing licenses, ID cards, vehicle registrations, selling driving abstracts and conducting free vision screenings. A "Get Personalized" terminal will also be available for customers to look up personalized plate combinations. The employees will also be able to answer questions from the public.

During the 2003, State Fair, the BMV:

·         Issued 697 driver licenses

·         Issued 52 state identification cards

·         Issued 300 vehicle registrations

·         Completed 554 driver abstracts

·         Completed 934 vision screenings

The 2004 Ohio State Fair runs Aug. 4 - 15. The BMV will be located in the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) booth, in the Northeast corner of the Bricker Building. The license agency will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Also located in the ODPS booth this year, will be ODPS Administration, the Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Medical Services, Homeland Security, the Investigative Unit and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The BMV has taken part in the fair for 26 years.