Former Driving School Owner Sentenced for Bribing Massachusetts RMV

Cardoso paid over $20,000 in cash bribes to get unqualified applicants licensed

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A former driving school owner in Brockton, Massachusetts was sentenced for bribing a road test examiner at the local RMV service center to issue driver's licenses to applicants who had not actually passed the required road test. Some of the applicants did not even show up to take the test, but still received licenses through the fraud scheme.

Why it matters

This case highlights issues of corruption and lack of oversight at state motor vehicle agencies, which are entrusted with ensuring drivers are properly qualified and licensed for public safety. The sentencing sends a message that such bribery schemes will be prosecuted, but also raises questions about how widespread similar fraud may be at other RMV offices.

The details

According to the Department of Justice, 72-year-old Carlos Cardoso paid over $20,000 in cash bribes to a road test examiner at the Brockton RMV service center. The examiner then misrepresented to the RMV that certain license applicants had passed their road tests, when in reality some did not even show up to take the test. This allowed unqualified drivers to obtain licenses through the fraudulent scheme.

  • Cardoso pleaded guilty in 2026.
  • Cardoso was sentenced on February 9, 2026.

The players

Carlos Cardoso

A 72-year-old former driving school owner in Brockton, Massachusetts who paid bribes to an RMV examiner to issue licenses to unqualified applicants.

Brockton RMV Service Center

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles office located in Brockton where the bribery scheme took place.

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What’s next

The Department of Justice and Massachusetts RMV have indicated they will be reviewing procedures and oversight at other RMV offices to identify any similar fraud schemes.

The takeaway

This sentencing underscores the importance of integrity and accountability at state motor vehicle agencies, which play a critical role in public safety by ensuring drivers meet the proper qualifications. The case serves as a warning that bribery and license fraud schemes will be prosecuted.