Local Vehicle Registration Security
The Times Have Changed, the economy is in the dumps, no new jobs, the government is hurting for money, so they increase fees.
Renewing the registration on my motorcycles here in Colorado can be done through the mail or in person at the County Vehicle Licensing Clerk & Recorder office. I always like to pay my fees in person, you get a chance to interact on a more personal level with the government staff and see your tax dollars at work.
So I head downtown to visit my local vehicle licensing office to renew my registration and get my 2010 tags for my motorcycles. As I walk through the door I notice a large gentleman right inside the doorway packing a gun and wearing a security officer’s uniform. I walk up to the counter, grab a number, and have a seat. While waiting for my number to be called I was looking over the security detail wondering to myself just what was he doing in there.
After about five minutes my number is called and I go to the clerks’ desk and present my renewal paperwork. The clerk gives me the total fees due and I write out a check. After the transaction, I just have to ask the clerk; “So what’s up with the security guard?” The clerk tells me they put in the security officer after the new Vehicle Registration Law was passed by State legislation on March 3, 2009, and became effective June 1, 2009. So-far there has been no trouble, but they (the county government) must be anticipating a little backlash from the new law.
Here is a recap of the new Colorado Vehicle Registration laws and fees:
1. Average passenger car registration fees will increase by $32; Registration fees for motorcycles and vehicles weighing less than 2,000 pounds will increase by $22.50; Most trucks and SUV registration fees will increase by $39.50 while larger trucks will see an increase of $51.50 to $55. Campers and trailers will also have increased fees based on its weight.
2. An increase to vehicle registration late fees also became law on June 1, 2009. The new law requires a late fee assessment of $25 per month for every month past the one month grace period up to a maximum of $100. This fee is assessed in addition to renewal fees. The new legislation provides for NO EXCEPTIONS to these late fees.
Vehicle owners who move to Colorado from out of state and do not register their vehicles within 90 days of residency will be charged late fees up to $100. Vehicles purchased by Colorado residents will be assessed late fees 61 days after the purchase date, if the vehicle is not registered.
So in Colorado, no longer can you let your vehicle registration lapse without paying a penalty. Prior to this all you had to pay was a flat $10 buck charge, and you could have been one or two years out.
Last year I paid $17.94 a bike. The changes increased my motorcycle fees by $23.83 a bike, for a total $41.77 per motorcycle. I am still trying to figure out why I paid an extra $1.35 over the $22.50 increase, but the security was looking a little intimidating so I just got the hell outta of there….
Ride Safe
