History Of The DMV
When the “horseless carriage” became more common place it was clear that the State would need to make set-up roadway standards for this exciting new invention. Motorized vehicles were becoming ubiquitous, and it was important that regulations be put in place as to who was qualified to drive an automobile, and under what circumstances.
Other concerns regarded care and the building of our roadway system. Building and keeping the roads and bridges in good repair, having a fast acting emergency towing service, street lamps lit and fences mended to prevent livestock from wandering onto the road, initially all came under the Motor Vehicle Department’s jurisdiction. The growing infrastructure of repair and maintenance was later moved to the Division of Public Works and then later the DOT, the Department of Transportation.