California 2023-2024 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB2963

Introduced
2/16/24  
Introduced
2/16/24  
Refer
3/11/24  
Refer
3/11/24  
Report Pass
3/18/24  
Report Pass
3/18/24  
Refer
3/19/24  

Caption

Pickup trucks.

Impact

One of the significant impacts of AB 2963 is the prohibition on late penalties accumulating for registration fees, ensuring that the total penalties do not exceed 100% of the original balance due. This aspect is particularly crucial as California has seen a steep rise in vehicle registration costs, increasing by approximately 85% over the past decade. The bill aims to provide relief to vehicle owners who might be struggling with delinquent payments and facing exorbitant penalties that can double the original fee owed. By placing limits on late fees, the bill seeks to alleviate the burden on owners of older or lower-value vehicles that are most affected by these changes.

Summary

Assembly Bill 2963, introduced by Assembly Member Essayli, focuses on redefining the classification of pickup trucks within California's Vehicle Code. Specifically, the bill aims to exclude pickup trucks that are not utilized for transportation services or profit from being categorized as 'commercial vehicles.' This change would exempt these vehicles from commercial vehicle weight fees, which have become a point of contention for many vehicle owners. The bill also stipulates that non-commercial pickup trucks renewing their registration after January 1, 2025, will not be required to replace their license plates issued before that date.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB 2963 appears to be mixed, with supporters advocating for a fairer and more reasonable approach to vehicle registration and penalties. They argue that the bill addresses a critical issue affecting many Californians, especially those with older vehicles who can find the high penalties disproportionate. However, there are concerns from some legislators who question the appropriateness of removing these weight fees entirely, arguing that such exemptions might undermine existing transportation infrastructure funding mechanisms, potentially leading to financial deficits for local transportation improvements.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise from the balancing act between streamlining regulations for vehicle owners and maintaining adequate funding for state infrastructure. Critics of the bill caution that exempting non-commercial pickup trucks from weight fees could impact the state's ability to fund necessary road projects and maintenance. Additionally, there is an ongoing debate about how legislative changes might affect compliance rates among those with delinquent registrations, with many advocates calling for a more comprehensive solution to assist non-compliant motorists rather than simply capping penalties.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA SB1450

Vehicle weight fees: exemptions: pick-up trucks.

CA SB425

Clean Vehicle Rebate Project: fuel cell electric pickup trucks: battery electric pickup trucks.

CA H7488

Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks under fourteen thousand pounds (14,000 lbs.) gross weight.

CA SB1057

Farm use placards; permanent placards for any pickup or panel truck, etc.

CA HB1806

Farm use placards; permanent placards for any pickup or panel truck, etc.

CA S0031

Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks weighing fourteen thousand pounds (14,000 lbs.) or less from sales and use tax.

CA S2068

Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks weighing fourteen thousand pounds (14,000 lbs.) or less from sales and use tax.

CA S0095

Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks under six thousand pounds (6,000 lbs.) gross weight, used exclusively for personal use, from sales tax.

CA S0099

Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks under eight thousand one hundred pounds (8,100 lbs.) gross weight, used exclusively for personal use, from sales tax.

CA H5406

Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks under eight thousand eight hundred pounds (8,800 lbs.) gross weight, used exclusively for personal use, from sales tax.

Similar Bills

CA AB33

Autonomous vehicles.

CA AB2996

California FAIR Plan Association.

CA AB1810

Transportation: omnibus bill.

CA AB128

Equines: protection.

CA AB2224

Vehicles: narrow track vehicles.

CA AB1145

State highways: safety: State Highway Route 74: report.

CA SB415

Planning and zoning: logistics use developments: truck routes.

CA AB735

Planning and zoning: logistics use developments: truck routes.