The proposed legislation impacts existing state laws concerning vehicle registration by establishing clear guidelines on when registrations expire and how they may be renewed, ultimately enhancing the regulatory framework governing motor vehicles. The bill includes provisions allowing the Commissioner to extend registration validity during extraordinary circumstances, which may occur due to processing delays. This change may encourage better compliance among vehicle owners and ensure smoother operations for the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Summary
House Bill 219 addresses the expiration and renewal of motor vehicle registrations within the Commonwealth of Virginia. The bill proposes an amendment to the existing statute (ยง46.2-646) to clarify registration expiration dates, renewal procedures, and penalties associated with failed renewals. It emphasizes a streamlined process for motor vehicle registration, proposing that registrations expire annually unless otherwise specified, with the option for a multi-year registration at the discretion of the Commissioner. This systematic approach aims to improve the efficiency of vehicle registrations throughout the year.
Contention
Notable points in the discussion surrounding HB219 include the penalties for failing to renew vehicle registrations. It designates a traffic infraction for expired registrations, with fines escalating based on the duration of expiration. For registrations expired less than a year, the fine is set at $25, while for those expired for at least a year, the penalties range from $25 to $250. The bill also stipulates that law enforcement shall not stop vehicles solely for expired registration until four months post-expiration, aiming to provide some protection for vehicle owners during the renewal grace period.
Increases the minimum annual registration or license tax on private passenger vehicles and trucks, tandem trucks, truck-tractors, semitrailers, and trailers and dedicates the revenue to the TIGER Fund (OR +$65,761,927 SD RV See Note)