13 Types of Rude People You’ll Meet at Pennsylvania’s DMV
From the moment the glass doors whoosh open, the DMV feels like a lesson in patience you didn’t sign up for. You grab a flimsy paper ticket, scan the room for an empty chair, and brace for the wait.
Somewhere in that crowd, though, are Pennsylvanians who missed the memo on basic courtesy. They cut lines, overshare on speakerphone, and munch snacks loud enough to echo.
Spotting these rude folks basically turns into a DMV game—without the prizes.
The Parking Lot Bully
The DMV experience doesn’t start at the ticket counter; it begins in the parking lot.
The Parking Lot Bully cuts off cars, zooms into handicapped spots without a permit, or double-parks across the only open spaces. They exit their car, pretending to be oblivious to the honking behind them.
Their careless moves cause mini traffic jams and set tempers flaring before anyone even reaches the door.
Inside, the same driver often continues the pushy behavior that started outside.
The Form Forgetter
Rules vary by state, yet one thing at the DMV never changes: paperwork.
The Form Forgetter shows up at the DMV without proper documents. Maybe they printed the wrong page, left it at home, or didn’t fill it out at all. When the clerk asks for a document, they dig through an empty folder and blame “the website.”
Missing forms cause a domino effect. Clerks explain the problem, the customer argues, and everyone else waits.
Sometimes the person storms to a corner table to fill forms on the spot, grumbling the whole time.
DMVs try to help with checklists online, but not everyone prepares. Double-checking requirements before leaving home saves time, money, and frustration for everyone in line behind you.
The Line Cutter
Some people act like the DMV’s “take a number” machine doesn’t apply to them. They wander past the crowd, pretend they’re confused, and inch closer to the service counter.
If someone in the line speaks up, they shrug or offer a vague story about “just one quick question.”
Line cutters rely on everyone else being polite. Most customers don’t want a scene, so they let the offender slide ahead. The cutter gets helped faster, and the honest folks wait longer.
It’s unfair, but it happens all too often.
A good DMV posts signs reminding visitors to pull a ticket, and staff will usually redirect line cutters when they notice. Still, it’s up to the rest of the crowd to hold their place and point the person toward the back of the queue.
The Snack Crumb Spreader
We get it—DMV wait times can be long, and people get hungry. Eating a granola bar while waiting for your number to be called isn’t the sin of all sins.
However, the Snack Crumb Spreader goes further, unwrapping smelly or messy food while the rest of us inch to the far edge of our seats.
Crumbs scatter, wrappers crinkle, and sticky fingers touch shared counters.
Food scents linger in enclosed spaces, bothering everyone nearby. Spilled drinks can destroy important documents and create slippery floors.
Cleaning crews eventually tackle the mess, but staff shouldn’t have to double as janitors between customers.
The Loud Phone Talker
DMV lobbies often echo, so a single loud voice fills the room fast.
The Loud Phone Talker talks about weekend plans, makes fast-food orders, and covers personal drama at full volume. Everyone else hears every detail, whether they want to or not.
Sometimes the talker tries to multitask, chatting away while an employee tries to verify an address or confirm paperwork. The clerk then has to repeat questions because the caller isn’t focused.
This slows the line and frays tempers.
Many DMVs post “Please keep calls brief” reminders, but enforcement is tricky.
If you’re stuck near a loud talker, headphones help. Otherwise, expect to know more about a stranger’s life than you ever asked for.
The Seat Saver
Chairs are scarce in busy DMVs, so any open seat feels like a win to a new arrival. However, the Seat Saver stakes out two or more seats—one for themselves, another for a purse, jacket, or a real or imaginary friend.
They then glare when someone asks if the extra seat is free.
In crowded lobbies, this rude behavior forces seniors, parents with small children, and people with mobility issues to get into a confrontation they didn’t ask for or stand.
If you encounter a Seat Saver, asking “Is anyone sitting here?” often does the trick.
They may huff, but they’ll usually move the bag.
The Constant Complainer
Lines move slowly, printers jam, and systems reboot. Everyone notices, yet most folks waiting at the DMV accept it. However, the Constant Complainer narrates every hiccup aloud.
“This place is the worst!” “Why don’t they hire more people?”
Negativity then hangs in the air.
Their commentary can rile up others, creating a mini-mob of annoyed customers. Complaints sometimes turn into arguments with employees, who can’t fix staffing levels and have no control over outdated software.
The DMV usually offers a place for visitors to share feedback online or through surveys. That’s the productive route; venting in the lobby only adds stress.
Patience—or at least internal fuming—is key.
The Space Invader
Personal space matters, especially in tight quarters like the DMV. The Space Invader stands inches away in line, breathing down the next person’s neck.
Sometimes they lean over shoulders to peek at paperwork or spot someone’s ticket number, hoping theirs is close.
Meanwhile, the person is forced to twist away, step forward, or hold their belongings tighter.
Because let’s face it—asking “Can you give me some space?” is uncomfortable too.
The Know-It-All Advisor
Some people believe they’re honorary DMV trainers. The Know-It-All listens to other customers’ questions, then jumps in with advice—often outdated or flat-out wrong.
“You don’t need that form.” “They’ll waive the fee if you ask nicely.”
While meant to help, bad guidance leads to extra trips, missing documents, and wasted fees. It also puts clerks in the uncomfortable position of correcting misinformation while keeping lines moving.
If you receive unsolicited tips, thank the person politely but follow staff instructions or official websites.
Rules change all the time, and only employees can confirm what’s required for your visit.
The Angry Arguer
Occasional mistakes happen: typos on licenses, unclear letters, or surprise fees. The Angry Arguer responds by shouting, slamming counters, or demanding a manager.
Loud scenes stall service as clerks pause to calm the person or call security.
Other customers grow uneasy and wonder if the situation will escalate. Children may get frightened.
Even if the issue is valid, yelling rarely speeds solutions; it often pushes staff into strict policy mode rather than flexible problem-solving.
If you find a mistake, document the errors in writing, ask for clear next steps, and keep voices low. Frustration is normal; taking it out on employees is not.
The Impatient Clock Watcher
DMV waits can test patience. The Impatient Clock Watcher checks the time every minute, sighs loudly, and announces how long they’ve been stuck there.
They tap their feet, roll their eyes, and groan when numbers take too long to skip ahead.
This attitude spreads restlessness. People nearby start checking watches, too, and the room’s mood sours. Staff sense the tension, which can make them frazzled and slow down further.
Planning ahead helps. Bringing a book, podcast, or downloaded game passes the time. Some states even offer online queuing alerts, letting customers wait in their car until texting time.
The Rule Ignorer
Every DMV has posted guidelines: No photos of test screens, no vaping indoors, keep pets outside unless they’re service animals.
The Rule Ignorer breaks them all. They snap selfies during eye exams or prop a skateboard against a “No Skateboards” sign.
Rules exist for safety, privacy, and fairness. Ignoring them causes delays when staff intervene.
Illegal photos risk sharing private data. Vaping indoors triggers alarms and complaints. Meanwhile, each incident pulls employees away from helping rule-following customers.
The Meltdown Maker
Long waits are tough on kids and adults alike. The Meltdown Maker lets their or their child’s frustration boil over in tears, wails, or dramatic exits.
Sometimes it’s a toddler kicking chairs. Other times it’s an adult pacing, muttering, and shouting.
Preparation helps: bring snacks, small toys, or coloring sheets for little ones. Adults can practice calming techniques—deep breaths, stretching, or stepping outside briefly.
Managing emotions keeps the DMV a relatively more pleasant place for everyone.
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