Holzapfel Bill Would Take Away MVC’s Power to Raise Fees

April 8, 2009

Contact: Katie Cocozza / (732) 840-9028
Assemblyman Jim Holzapfel (R-10)

In response to a proposal by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to drastically increase fees for motorists, Assemblyman Jim Holzapfel of the 10th district has co-sponsored legislation which would take away the Motor Vehicle Commission’s power to raise fees. The legislation, A-3850, would place all motor vehicle fees back under the authority of the Legislature.

According to the MVC, their proposal to raise fees would result in considerable increases to the cost of motorcycle registrations and motor vehicle and boat certificates of ownership. These fee increases are expected to cost New Jersey residents an additional $40 to $60 million annually.

“The fee increases put forward by the MVC cannot come at a worse time for our residents who are struggling during this economic recession, ” said Holzapfel. “Through this legislation, we can prevent the MVC from implementing additional fees that will further harm the already overtaxed people of New Jersey.”

Of particular concern is the MVC’s proposal to increase of motorcycle registration from $10 to $65 and to increase the fee for motor vehicle and boat certificates of ownership from $20 to $60. These proposed increases would be the latest in a long string of MVC fee hikes in recent years.

“The dramatic increase in fees for motorcycle registration seems absurd, and I have a hard time believing that this reflects the true cost borne by the MVC to perform a simple registration or renewal, ” continued Holzapfel. “The MVC’s plan to increase some fees by 300% to 600% is simply incomprehensible. This is further proof why an administrative agency should not be allowed to manage and raise its own fees.”

Link to Post:

http://www.senatenj.com/index.php/holzapfel/holzapfel-bill-would-take-away-mvcs-power-to-raise-fees/2844