RMV tries something new to help customers avoid branch visit

BOSTON - The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles is trying a workaround after the governor killed a $5 fee it wanted to impose for in-person service.

Registrar Rachel Kaprelian called a news conference for Wednesday to highlight two ways to cancel a license plate without having to wait in line.

A spokeswoman says one solution will be to use a new self-service kiosk. The second way will appeal to people who'd rather go online.

The RMV had wanted to levy the fee as a way of convincing people to conduct the bulk of their business online or through an automated phone system. Officials say it would have reduced lines.

But Gov. Deval Patrick says he doesn't want to harm consumers in a down economy. He told the Registry to come up with alternatives.