Fee to be collected during vehicle-registration process
Phoenix AZ (November 30, 2018) – Beginning Dec. 1, Arizona motorists expecting vehicle registration renewals will see a new Public Safety Fee. The fee was established by state law to support public safety and Highway Patrol operations. The fee goes into effect for registrations due in January which can be paid as early as Dec. 1, and immediately for newly registered vehicles.
The fee will be collected during the vehicle-registration process administered by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division. Arizona statute established the method for collecting the fee and sets the process for determining the amount based on a formula designed to support Highway Patrol operations.
Highway Patrol operations — among the most visible functions of the Arizona Department of Public Safety — include response to collisions on Arizona highways, enforcing state laws designed to keep the motoring public safe, arresting impaired drivers, assisting motorists in distress, air-rescue operations and patrolling more than 6,800 miles of highways.
Most motorists will pay $32 per vehicle, per year. Street-legal golf carts and primarily off-highway vehicles will pay $5. Those who register a vehicle annually or pay for a two- or five-year registration will pay the entire amount up front for each registered year.
The funds raised through the Public Safety Fee will not only provide necessary dollars for public safety, but will advance maintenance and construction of Arizona’s highway infrastructure, including the state’s Key Commerce Corridors that support economic development around the state.
Over the past decade, much of the Highway Patrol’s budget was considered part of the Arizona Highway User Revenue Fund, the gas-tax account that supports Arizona roadways, including law-enforcement support. The new $32 Public Safety Fee will allow gas-tax money to support roadway maintenance and construction, while providing a different source of funding for Highway Patrol operations.
For more information: www.azdot.gov/mvd
For details on the enabling legislation, visit: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/53leg/2R/laws/0265.pdf.
1 Comment
This was first reported on the news, that it was because of the Red for ED movement. The raises given by the governor took extra funds from the budget. The Legislature had to rework the budget to recover the funds for the Highway Patrol’s. So if true why did the State cut education funds over the years and why did the schools not see to the teachers pay? As usual at any rate the car owners will have to pick up the tab. I would like to be able to add to my income by changing the law that easy. Who will be next to take money by changing the budget or the law? State say’s no money in the budget, schools say the same but if I say that I’m told tuff take a walk. So you people on fixed income get ready to do with less with your budget.