Some DMV Offices to Extend Hours

Following Gov. Pete Wilson’s daunting directive to “improve state services without significantly increasing state costs,” the Department of Motor Vehicles has resolved to make its services more accessible in 1994.

Beginning Jan. 1, DMV offices throughout the state, including several in the Valley, will offer extended weekday hours or will be open Saturdays.

Officials said the move is aimed mainly at enabling residents with traditional work schedules to visit DMV offices without having to take off time from work.

“This marks another significant step in our efforts to customize DMV services and make them more convenient,” DMV Director Frank S. Zolin said.

DMV has experimented with Saturday service in the past, finding it generally popular with the public. But the program proved costly because under state law, state offices are required to be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. even if they are open on Saturday. Legislation passed this year exempted the DMV from that law, paving the way for the new hours. The following Valley offices will be effected: The Arleta office will be open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on Thursdays until 6:30 p.m. The Glendale office will open at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday, with extended hours on Mondays until 6:30 p.m. The Van Nuys office will be open until 6:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays respectively, and the Winnetka office will offer extended hours Mondays from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.