The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5568, aims to increase the motor vehicle registration fees specifically for electric vehicles. The bill repeals the existing fee structure in subsection (a) of section 14-49 and introduces a new fee schedule effective October 1, 2026. Under the new provisions, the registration fee for standard passenger motor vehicles will remain at $120 every three years. However, the fees for electric vehicles will be significantly higher: $345 for battery electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, and range-extended battery electric vehicles, and $233 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Additionally, the bill allows individuals aged 65 and older to renew their vehicle registrations for either one year or the standard three-year period, with prorated fees for one-year renewals. It also clarifies that the triennial fee for vehicles with special license plates will remain at $120, but certain exemptions apply for antique fire apparatuses, transit buses owned by nonprofits, and various types of electric vehicles. Overall, the bill seeks to adjust the registration fees to reflect the growing prevalence of electric vehicles while providing specific provisions for senior citizens and special vehicle categories.