New Executive Orders Affect DMV Operations, Prohibit Certain Gatherings of More than 50 People, and Direct Entertainment Facilities and Hair Salons to Close

The Governor issued Executive Order No. 119 on Friday, which orders the closure of many Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Driver License Offices, the postponement of certain DMV hearings, and the suspension of road tests for newly licensed drivers. Today, the Governor issued Executive Order No. 120, which prohibits mass gatherings of more than 50 people, orders the closure of entertainment facilities and personal care and grooming businesses, and extends the closure of public schools through May 15, 2020. Executive Order No. 119. Pursuant to G.S. 166A-19.30(a)(1), the Governor ordered the Commissioner of the DMV to: Limit services at all Driver License Offices to appointment only; Close Driver License Offices of insufficient size to maintain social distancing, that do not have sufficient staff to serve only appointments, or that otherwise are unable to maintain normal operations due to the pandemic; Expand service hours at Driver License Offices that remain open; Discontinue mobile services; Postpone for 60 days DMV-related hearings not required by statute to be held within a certain number of days; and Suspend road tests for learner’s permits, provisional driver’s licenses or unrestricted Class C licenses until a determination is made that tests can be conducted with minimal risk of transmission of COVID-19. The order instructs DMV to the extent practicable to continue to conduct road tests for Class A and Class B licenses and for applicants who must complete a road test due to a medical restriction. The order also permits DMV and the Department of Public Safety to [...]