15 Rude Things Floridians Do at the DMV, and It Makes Everyone Else’s Blood Boil
Going to the DMV isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. If you’ve ever spent more than 30 minutes at a DMV in Florida (and who hasn’t?), you’ve probably seen some pretty rude behavior.
Customers come in grumpy, act like they’re the only ones in a rush, and treat the staff like they’re not human.
We’ve all heard a story or two about a less-than-friendly DMV employee. But we’re flipping the script for a second—what about the customers?
From line-cutting to loud phone calls, here are the rude things some Floridians do time after time that make an already dreaded DMV trip even worse for the rest of us.
Parking Like It’s a Free-for-All
Before folks even step inside the DMV, some already start acting inconsiderate—and it starts in the parking lot.
People take up two spaces, park crooked, or pull right into clearly marked spots for disabled drivers without the proper placard. Others circle like vultures and steal spots that someone else was clearly waiting for.
It’s a mess before you even get out of your car.
DMV visits are stressful enough without starting things off with a parking lot argument. Park like a decent human. Stay inside the lines, don’t take the reserved spots, and don’t act like you own the place.
It sets a better tone for everyone walking through those doors.
Trying to Speed Things Up With Sob Stories
Every DMV worker has heard them: “I’m in a rush because I have a job interview,” or “My mom’s in the hospital, can I just skip the line?”
While emergencies happen, using an excuse to jump ahead isn’t fair when everyone else is waiting too. And let’s address the elephant in the room—some of those people could be faking stories to get through faster.
Talk about rude.
This behavior puts the staff in a tough position. If they say yes, other people get mad. If they say no, they look heartless—even if they’re just following the rules. It creates an awkward moment for everyone and usually doesn’t help the person anyway.
If you’re really in a time crunch, make an appointment or check online for services you can do at home.
Don’t use guilt to pressure your way to the front. Everyone’s got stuff going on, and the rules are there to keep things fair for all.
Acting Like They’re Too Good to Be There
Some folks walk into the DMV acting like the whole experience is beneath them.
They roll their eyes, sigh loudly, and make comments like, “This place is a joke,” or “I don’t know how anyone can work here.” They act like they deserve a VIP experience because they wore a suit or drive a fancy car.
The “I’m better than this” attitude doesn’t help anyone. It puts the staff on edge and annoys everyone else who’s just trying to make it through their own visit.
No one’s thrilled to be at the DMV, but throwing around entitlement and snide remarks only makes the environment more tense.
Everyone’s got to renew their license or get plates at some point—no one gets a free pass. Whether you’re a barista, a CEO, or a stay-at-home parent, you’ve got the same rules to follow.
A little humility goes a long way, especially in a room full of people who are equally tired of waiting.
Showing Up Unprepared
One of the most frustrating things people do at the DMV is show up without the right documents.
There are usually clear lists online that explain exactly what you need for license renewals, registration, title transfers, and more. But some folks still stroll in with half the paperwork or none at all, expecting a miracle.
This causes long delays, not just for them, but for everyone behind them in line.
The DMV staff end up wasting time explaining what’s missing, and the person often argues or complains instead of just accepting it. Showing up without checking the list is like going to the airport with no ID and getting mad when you can’t get on the plane.
This behavior slows everything down. People who come prepared have to wait longer, and the dreaded DMV line builds and builds and…
Cutting the Line or Holding Spots
Few things rile Americans up faster than someone who tries to cut the line.
At most DMVs, you either grab a number and wait or line up the old-fashioned way. But there’s always that one person who pretends not to notice the system and marches right up to the front desk.
Sometimes they claim, “Oh, I just have a question,” but we all know where that’s going—they’re trying to jump ahead.
Even worse, some folks try to hold spots for multiple people. Maybe one person grabs a number and later three or four others show up to join them.
Other customers get frustrated, and tensions rise quickly. It’s not fair to the people who’ve been waiting their turn.
Everyone’s time is valuable. If you respect the process, you’re respecting the people around you. Waiting at the DMV is already tough; letting line-cutters get away with it just makes it worse for everyone else.
Stand in line like the rest of us. No shortcuts.
Arguing With the Employees
Some people forget that DMV workers are human beings deserving of respect. These employees deal with rules, systems, and software that are often out of their control.
But when something doesn’t go the way some customers want, out comes the attitude. Instead of calmly asking questions or asking for clarification, they get snappy, roll their eyes, or start shouting.
This kind of behavior is not only rude—it’s pointless. Yelling won’t change the fact that your car failed the inspection or that you missed the deadline for registration.
It also stresses out the workers and makes it harder for them to help you and others efficiently.
The DMV isn’t a battleground. Save the drama for reality TV and treat the workers with basic human decency.
Talking Loudly on the Phone
The DMV isn’t the place to have a loud personal conversation. Yet some people act like they’re in their living room, shouting into their phones about everything from dinner plans to drama with their cousin.
The worst offenders have their phones on speaker, so now the whole waiting area has to hear both sides of a conversation they didn’t ask for.
It’s especially rude when people are talking right in front of the counters. They’re asked for their information but have to say, “Hold on, I’m on the phone,” like their call is more important than the hundred other people waiting behind them.
Spoiler alert: It’s not. Put your phone away and handle your business.
Phone conversations also distract others who are trying to fill out forms or listen for their number to be called.
So, keep your phone on silent, step outside if you need to talk, and don’t make the rest of us unwilling guests in your personal life.
Taking Out Frustrations on Other Customers
Some DMV customers take out their anger on total strangers.
Maybe someone bumped into them accidentally, or they think someone is standing too close. Instead of brushing it off or politely speaking up, they launch into a full-blown rant.
It’s also common to hear passive-aggressive comments like, “Well, maybe if people brought the right documents, we wouldn’t be stuck here all day.” Even if they’re not directed at one person, comments like that just add to the negativity in the room.
Nobody likes feeling judged when they’re already stressed out.
Sometimes, people even argue about who was there first or who got the lower number. These arguments waste time and put everyone on edge.
Letting Their Kids Run Wild
We get it—sometimes you have to bring your kids to the DMV. That’s not the issue. The problem is when people don’t supervise them.
Some kids end up running around the chairs, pressing buttons on the kiosks, or yelling across the room. It becomes a free-for-all while the parent scrolls on their phone and pretends not to notice.
This kind of chaos makes it harder for others to concentrate. It can even be dangerous if a child runs into someone or pulls on wires near computer stations.
The DMV isn’t a playground, but some parents treat it like one. Other customers may end up getting annoyed or even scolding the child themselves, which creates more tension.
Using Kiosks Like They’re Personal Computers
Most DMVs now have self-service kiosks for things like registration renewals and address updates. They’re supposed to make things quicker. But some people camp out at these machines like they’re checking their email at home.
They take forever, click on every option, then ask for help after they’ve already made five mistakes.
These kiosks usually have a short time limit, but some folks ignore the warnings and start over again and again. Meanwhile, there’s a line behind them of people who actually know what they’re doing.
Instead of stepping aside, they keep fumbling through it while others wait, tapping their feet in frustration.
If you’re not sure how to use the kiosk, that’s okay—just ask for help early or go to the counter instead.
Don’t treat the machine like your personal tech project. Be quick, be respectful, and let others get their turn.
Leaving Trash All Over the Place
Some people treat the DMV like it’s their personal trash can. They leave coffee cups on the floor, crumble napkins onto the chairs, and walk away from their mess like it’s someone else’s problem.
If they brought snacks or fast food, you can usually tell by the crumbs on their chair and the leftover wrappers on the seat next to them.
Not only is this rude—it’s unsanitary.
These are public spaces, and there’s usually not a full-time janitor cleaning up every five minutes. When you leave your trash behind, it sticks around for the next person who has to sit there or use that counter.
There are trash cans in almost every DMV. It takes about three seconds to throw something away.
If you brought it in, throw it out or take it out.
Ignoring Social Cues and Personal Space
Even when the DMV isn’t packed, some folks still stand way too close. They lean over your shoulder while you’re filling out a form or hover behind you at the photo station.
It’s uncomfortable and unnecessary. There’s plenty of space—use it.
Others don’t pick up on quiet cues. Someone may have headphones in or be deeply focused on paperwork, but that won’t stop chatty strangers from launching into a conversation about how bad the DMV is.
Respecting people’s space and privacy makes the DMV experience smoother. If someone looks like they’re keeping to themselves, take the hint.
Give people breathing room, keep your hands to yourself, and let everyone get through the DMV in peace.
Bringing In the Whole Crew for One Appointment
It’s one thing to bring someone to the DMV for support. But some people roll into the DMV like they’re hosting a family reunion.
Grandma, Uncle Joe, the neighbor’s cousin—everyone’s there, even if only one person has an appointment. Suddenly, the waiting room is packed with people who aren’t even using DMV services, taking up seats and adding to the noise.
Extra bodies mean extra distractions. Conversations get louder, kids run around, and it becomes difficult for the staff to tell who’s actually in line.
When one person gets called, the whole group often follows them up to the counter like they’re on a guided tour. This clogs up space and makes it harder for the employees to do their jobs.
If you’re the one with the appointment, do everyone a favor and leave the entourage at home. A quiet companion is fine if needed, but bringing a crowd makes things stressful for everyone else.
The DMV’s not a group activity. It’s a get-in, get-out kind of mission.
Treating Appointments Like Suggestions
Online appointments were supposed to make the DMV less chaotic. And they can—if people actually stick to their scheduled time.
But some folks show up super early and expect to be seen right away. Others wander in 45 minutes late and act surprised when their slot is gone. Then come the complaints: “But I had an appointment!”
DMV staff usually do their best to stay on schedule, but late arrivals throw everything off.
If you’re late, you may have to wait again or even reschedule. And no, telling the front desk you “just hit traffic” doesn’t magically reopen your time slot.
The rest of us showed up on time—and we’re still waiting.
Ignoring the Signs and Instructions
The DMV is full of signs, arrows, and instructions posted everywhere to help people figure out where to go and what to do. But somehow, there are always folks who completely ignore them.
They walk into the wrong line, fill out the wrong form, or go up to a window without being called—then act confused when they’re told to go back.
Even worse, some people try to skip over steps on purpose.
They see a sign that says “Check in first,” and decide to head straight for the photo booth. Or they ignore the kiosk instructions and guess their way through, only to end up having to redo everything.
Reading signs and following directions isn’t that hard. It keeps the whole place running smoother, and it prevents people from wasting their own time and everyone else’s.
If you’re not sure what to do, ask. Don’t act like the posted rules don’t apply to you.
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