Computers at state Motor Vehicle Commission agencies were back in operation Monday afternoon after a massive statewide crash prevented drivers from renewing licenses and registering vehicles.

Agency computers returned to service shortly before 2 p.m., meaning that drivers could conduct transactions after a weekend-long crash resulted in long waits and frustration at agencies.

The computer crash meant the MVC couldn't process payments for any in-person transaction, including obtaining driver's licenses, registering, re-registering or titling a vehicle or paying surcharges or fees to restore a driver's license. Online transactions and payments were not affected.

The problem that affected MVC payment process was due to a bigger issue that hobbled the state Information Technology system used by all state agencies this past weekend, said said Mairin Bellack, an MVC spokeswoman.

Technicians worked on the state computer system to restore it and most of the state IT systems were operating on Monday, except the system that processed MVC payments, she said.

Some drivers complained of making multiple trips to MVC agencies only to be turned away or be told by agency staff that they didn't know what was going on. Computer problems and long lines at MVC agencies in 2016 prompted legislative hearings about the causes of the problem.

A bigger job in ongoing to upgrade MVC computer systems after a failed decades-long program to replacing aging IT systems was bounced from company to company due to mergers. Other state motor vehicle departments that undertook similar computer upgrades also experienced delays.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook.