California

Oceanside DMV Closes Because of Flooding

Customers advised to use San Marcos Rancheros, Poway or Temecula offices.

Flooding damage has closed the Oceanside Department of Motor Vehicles until further notice, officials said Thursday.

An irrigation system leak flooded the office's front entrance. As a result, staffers have had to move some exams and appointments to other DMV offices in the county.

"I got excited when I saw the lot empty, but now I know I have to go stand in line somewhere else. So I'm not happy," said Carlsbad resident Diana Tuite.

Customers were turned away in Oceanside to nearby offices like the one in San Marcos that's located 11 miles away.

By mid-morning, the line was out the door. 

For some of us, DMV visits are one of our most dreaded to-do's, but one man waiting in line Thursday was able to put a positive spin on the chore.

"The DMV is going to have a line no matter what," Omar Gardner said. "And I think if you hang out and make some friends here it'd be a nice time for you."

Well, that's one way to look at it.

β€œWe apologize for any inconvenience this unexpected closure may have caused our customers," said DMV spokesperson Jaime Garza. "We are working as quickly as possible to repair the flood damage to our front lobby." 

The Oceanside DMV is typically open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the week on Plaza Drive.

People looking to visit the DMV in the Oceanside area are being advised to go to the San Marcos Rancheros, Poway or Temecula offices.

The San Marcos, Poway, and Temecula field offices will be open Saturday, July 21, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

More information on the office’s reopening can be found on the DMV’s website as it becomes available.

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