2018 Brings More Fees For California Vehicle Owners

It's
going to get a little more expensive to own a vehicle in California
come the start of 2018. Already hit with a gas tax hike a couple
months back, starting January 1st there will be an
additional vehicle registration fee that could cost vehicle owners
up to an extra $175.
Back in April, with the aim of improving California's roads,
highways, bridges, and mass transit system the state Legislature
approved a transportation package: Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair
and Accountability Act of 2017, that would raise $5.2 billion a
year with a goal of more than $50 billion over the next ten years.
The first part of the transportation package kicked in on November
1st in the form of a gas excise tax with
drivers/motorcycle riders having to pay 12 cents more per gallon,
raising the gas tax to 41.7 cents per gallon. Diesel fuel was also
hit with an increased excise tax of 5.75 cents. Both these taxes
will be annually adjusted for inflation starting on July
1st 2020.
The next part of the funds for the transportation package will come
in the form of a Transportation Improvement Fee which will kick in
on January 1st. The Transportation Improvement Fee will
hit vehicle owners when they go to register a new vehicle or renew
the registration on their current vehicle(s). A value based fee,
the Transportation Improvement Fee will charge vehicle owners
anywhere from $25 to $175 based on the value of their vehicle. Like
the gas excise tax, the transportation improvement fee will be
annually adjusted for inflation starting on July 1 2020 as well.
Here are the fees you will be paying based on the value of your
vehicle (found
California DMV website)
Vehicles with Market Value Range Transportation Improvement Fee
Between $0 and $4,999 $25
Between $5,000 and $24,999 $50
Between $25,000 and $34,999 $100
Between $35,000 and $59,999 $150
$60,000 and higher $175
On a positive note for motorcycle fans, the new year will make it
even easier for new riders to get their motorcycle endorsement. The
DMV will begin accepting a certificate of completion from any
California Highway Patrol approved motorcycle training program to
allow riders seeking licensure to skip the required DMV skills
test. Those under the age of 21 will still be required to complete
a rider's training program, but upon completion of a CHP approved
course they won't have to take the riders skills test at the DMV.