Hike car registration fee

An increase in vehicle registration fee by as much as double than the current rate is likely to occur if a legislative proposal draws support from the Senate and the governor.

The House of Representatives cleared yesterday HB 12-54 updating CNMI’s vehicle registration laws, which includes provisions setting out higher fees for the annual requirement.

Under the measure offered by House Floor Leader Oscar M. Babauta, owners of cars, jeeps, vans and pickup trucks will have to pay $40 to renew their registration — up by 60 percent from the present $25 fee.

Trucks and buses under 2,999 lbs. will also have to shell out additional $15 to renew their registration as the fee will jump from $25 to $40.

For bigger vehicles exceeding 3,000 lbs., the fee will rise by an average of 50 percent compared to the present fee, according to the proposal.

The rate for mopeds and motorcycles up to 100 cc will double to $10 from the present registration fee, while those over 100 cc will also receive 100 percent increase to $20.

Based on legislative findings, current registration fees are extremely low and that an increase is long overdue in light of the economic difficulties confronting the islands.

The House Ways and Means Committee chaired by Rep. Antonio M. Camacho believed that the proposed new fees are modest and affordable as compared to the cost the government has spent on road construction and maintenance.

To help the three senatorial districts cope with impact on road use, a five percent share of all fees collected under the measure will be earmarked for the Office of the Mayor of each respective island municipalities of Saipan, Tinian and Rota.

Noting that existing registration for bicycles is unenforceable and not needed, the measure will seek elimination of such requirement to give bicycle riders less government control.

HB 12-54 likewise will require vehicles to display two number plates that will be placed on the rear and front that lawmakers believe will be a “prudent” move.

The bill, which now heads to the upper house for action before Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio can sign it into law, is also the first step towards efficiency and computerization of vehicle registration, issuance of drivers license and ownership certificate, and other requirements being administered by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.