I searched on CA DMV website and didn't find an answer. I want to know how to contact DMV to lower the registration fee. People can get their house value reassessed so I wonder maybe it is possible for automobile as well.
I have a 2004 camry le (4 cylinder). I got automobile registration renewal notice and guess how much is it? $270. I asked my coworkers who drive cars like mazada ($20), 350z, etc and none of them pay half of what I pay. I was thinking the State probably got my camry mixed up with a 6 cylinder camry. According to the CA DMV website, they assess the renewal fee based on the car's value.
diamente said: I searched on CA DMV website and didn't find an answer. I want to know how to contact DMV to lower the registration fee. People can get their house value reassessed so I wonder maybe it is possible for automobile as well.
I have a 2004 camry le (4 cylinder). I got automobile registration renewal notice and guess how much is it? $270. I asked my coworkers who drive cars like mazada ($20), 350z, etc and none of them pay half of what I pay. I was thinking the State probably got my camry mixed up with a 6 cylinder camry. According to the CA DMV website, they assess the renewal fee based on the car's value.
What do I do? Thanks, Do they have the right VIN? The VIN uniquely identifies the car (incl. make model, year etc.). DMV possibly has a "standard table" of car values based on those details. If so, there isnt much you can do. I would be interested to know what car gets charged a $20 regist. fee in CA.
Have you tried writing a strongly worded letter to the Governator? The reg fee on my 2006 Hyundai Sonata recently went from $170 to $240. $240 is also what I paid in 2006 when I bought the car. If renewal fees are based on the value of the car, then my Sonata is holding it's value really well. Take that, Hyundai-haters!!
uutxs said: diamente said: I searched on CA DMV website and didn't find an answer. I want to know how to contact DMV to lower the registration fee. People can get their house value reassessed so I wonder maybe it is possible for automobile as well.
I have a 2004 camry le (4 cylinder). I got automobile registration renewal notice and guess how much is it? $270. I asked my coworkers who drive cars like mazada ($20), 350z, etc and none of them pay half of what I pay. I was thinking the State probably got my camry mixed up with a 6 cylinder camry. According to the CA DMV website, they assess the renewal fee based on the car's value.
What do I do? Thanks, Do they have the right VIN? The VIN uniquely identifies the car (incl. make model, year etc.). DMV possibly has a "standard table" of car values based on those details. If so, there isnt much you can do. I would be interested to know what car gets charged a $20 regist. fee in CA.
Crazytree
Senior Member - 7K
posted: Aug. 29, 2009 @ 3:10a
there is indeed a process. I know someone who did it with respect to a rebuilt 1966 Porsche.
it wasn't easy, and I don't think he got a re-assessment in the end.
ptiemann
Senior Member
posted: Aug. 29, 2009 @ 3:50a
There is nothing that you can register for $20. It must have been a typo.
My 1992 Ford Festiva (289,000 miles, value around $700) cost $61 in 2009 to register.
I asked for a refund on my registration from the state of CA recently after my car was stolen. My car was stolen exactly two days after the registration had come due, so I got a lovely letter from the state saying "they have no provision for a partial refund, and the car had been operated after the registration due date", so there would be no refund.
Keep your car registered out of state. If you get pulled over, tell them you're a temporary contractor in state.
fujishig
Member
posted: Aug. 29, 2009 @ 9:42a
Are you perhaps confusing what they paid last year (or earlier this year) for registration with what you're paying this year for registration? They recently doubled the car registration fee. Otherwise, I have a hard time believing that someone with a 350z pays less than you.
Good luck registering out of state, especially if you have a CA license. You can't even buy a car out of state to avoid paying taxes.
I used to live in TN, the registration fee is $36.00 and there's no state tax. But CA is much funner to live in .
IAskStupidQuestions
Handsome Member
posted: Aug. 29, 2009 @ 11:50a
Have you written a letter to the governor to tell him that you will start a recall campaign against him if he doesn't lower you rate? That worked when the last governor tried to raise vehicle fees to pay for the legislator's overspending.
diamente said: lgyeresi said: move to a different state
I used to live in TN, the registration fee is $36.00 and there's no state tax. But CA is much funner to live in .
Funner? Just curious...what state were you educated in?
IAskStupidQuestions said: Have you written a letter to the governor to tell him that you will start a recall campaign against him if he doesn't lower you rate? That worked when the last governor tried to raise vehicle fees to pay for the legislator's overspending.
Perhaps a Total Recall campaign is in order here...
dirtrat said: haha, then they will ask you for your California contractors license.
jcbrooks said: Keep your car registered out of state. If you get pulled over, tell them you're a temporary contractor in state.
Tell them the car is not yours... your cousin is in town and you are driving it... There are so many advantages to having an out of state plate... I only wish I can get one... for starters: -smog/license every 4/2 yrs instead of 2/1.. -not require to have a front plate -more likely to get out a a 'fix-it' ticket since the car does not belong to you -never have to pay for a red-light camera ticket... -never pay for a parking ticket... -lower fees...
+1 Your friends probably have not received their registration notices for this year. The fee change happened starting May 09.
fujishig said: Are you perhaps confusing what they paid last year (or earlier this year) for registration with what you're paying this year for registration? They recently doubled the car registration fee. Otherwise, I have a hard time believing that someone with a 350z pays less than you.
Good luck registering out of state, especially if you have a CA license. You can't even buy a car out of state to avoid paying taxes.
bopc1996
Senior Member
posted: Aug. 29, 2009 @ 9:30p
lgyeresi said: move to a different state
hmmm; California is not perfect but it sure beats whatever state is second by a very large margin. Want low taxes? move to arkansas or noth dakota.
New legislation authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles to increase the Vehicle License Fee (VLF) from 0.65 percent to 1.15 percent when registration fees are due on or after May 19, 2009 for:
* Automobiles * Commercial vehicles with a declared gross operating weight under 10,001 pounds * Motorcycles * Trailer coaches
Q Why is the vehicle license fee (VLF) increasing? A The VLF increase is part of the budget plan designed to reduce California’s $42 billion deficit. The new budget includes spending reductions, revenue increases, economic stimulus, and government efficiency.
Q How long does the increase last? A The increase will be through June 30, 2011, but may be extended to June 30, 2013.
Q How can I determine the amount of VLF increase due for my vehicle? A Generally the increase is approximately $5.00 per $1000 in vehicle value. For example, a vehicle valued at $5,000 (when purchased) would see an increase of approximately $25.00. If your vehicle registration renewal is due within 60 days and you would like a precise calculation visit the Online Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator.
Given all this, as long as the renewal vehicle registration fee is about the same as what the calculator shows, I don't see how you can expect a lower fee.
bopc1996 said: lgyeresi said: move to a different state
hmmm; California is not perfect but it sure beats whatever state is second by a very large margin. Want low taxes? move to arkansas or noth dakota.Is that why so many people from California are moving to the last best place?
dblevitan
Tired Member
posted: Aug. 29, 2009 @ 9:47p
To those telling the OP to register it out of state, you can try, but you could very well get caught. If you're a CA resident, you're required to register in CA. I've had friends who were ticketed and forced to register their car in CA plus pay additional fees for the late registration. Students have a possible exception, but CA state law doesn't specifically exempt them.
The only legal way to potentially lower your fees is to register with an out of state address. My car is registered that way (it's co-owned with my dad, so I left the address as my parents'), and when I was registering it the AAA people remarked that they didn't see many of the normal LA fees. This will only save you $20-30/year probably, if that. Not sure if you can move the car to an out of state address after you living in CA though.
jcbrooks said: Keep your car registered out of state. If you get pulled over, tell them you're a temporary contractor in state.
Yeah, that will work well. And how do you buy insurance for it? And if you do buy it in the other state you registered it, first claim you have, your insurance tells you to piss off. Better hope it isn't an expensive accident.
oh no, you got me started with the red light camera ticket. I got a $500 ticket. $500 ticket
is SIS here? I need his legal assistance.
ardentazn said: dirtrat said: haha, then they will ask you for your California contractors license.
jcbrooks said: Keep your car registered out of state. If you get pulled over, tell them you're a temporary contractor in state.
Tell them the car is not yours... your cousin is in town and you are driving it... There are so many advantages to having an out of state plate... I only wish I can get one... for starters: -smog/license every 4/2 yrs instead of 2/1.. -not require to have a front plate -more likely to get out a a 'fix-it' ticket since the car does not belong to you -never have to pay for a red-light camera ticket... -never pay for a parking ticket... -lower fees...
diamente said: oh no, you got me started with the red light camera ticket. I got a $500 ticket.
I dont have an account on the other site, but one of the posters brought up a good point about just having to yield if there was a dedicated right turn lane and an island separating it. While there is no island in the GMaps picture, there are two lanes on the street you were turning into. As far as I remember from school, if you are making a left turn, you must stay in the lane furthest to the left and cannot make a lane change while making a turn. This would mean that the right lane you are turning into on the street you were turning is not a legal option for the cars making a left coming towards you. This would also say that the right lane of that road is dedicated to your right turn when there are only cars coming from across the intersection making a left, but this is all a slippery slope.
That said, you didn't stop for a red light, fines are getting bigger as the government gets broker. Good Luck
ardentazn said: dirtrat said: haha, then they will ask you for your California contractors license.
jcbrooks said: Keep your car registered out of state. If you get pulled over, tell them you're a temporary contractor in state.
Tell them the car is not yours... your cousin is in town and you are driving it... There are so many advantages to having an out of state plate... I only wish I can get one... for starters: -smog/license every 4/2 yrs instead of 2/1.. -not require to have a front plate -more likely to get out a a 'fix-it' ticket since the car does not belong to you -never have to pay for a red-light camera ticket... -never pay for a parking ticket... -lower fees...
Once again, it's not fair for us...
What do you mean never pay for a parking ticket? Doesnt that go against your drivers license? Or are you suggesting having a Cali DL and having car registered to a fake person out of state? I am not really sure what you mean?
And why would you need a smog license at all if you are out of state registration?
PorStaker said: diamente said: oh no, you got me started with the red light camera ticket. I got a $500 ticket.
I dont have an account on the other site, but one of the posters brought up a good point about just having to yield if there was a dedicated right turn lane and an island separating it. While there is no island in the GMaps picture, there are two lanes on the street you were turning into. As far as I remember from school, if you are making a left turn, you must stay in the lane furthest to the left and cannot make a lane change while making a turn. This would mean that the right lane you are turning into on the street you were turning is not a legal option for the cars making a left coming towards you. This would also say that the right lane of that road is dedicated to your right turn when there are only cars coming from across the intersection making a left, but this is all a slippery slope.
That said, you didn't stop for a red light, fines are getting bigger as the government gets broker. Good Luck
qcumber98 said: Have you tried writing a strongly worded letter to the Governator? The reg fee on my 2006 Hyundai Sonata recently went from $170 to $240. $240 is also what I paid in 2006 when I bought the car. If renewal fees are based on the value of the car, then my Sonata is holding it's value really well. Take that, Hyundai-haters!!
haha Unfortunately it's more likely that your car is now 50% of the value you bought it for since CA registration doubled a couple months back. You should try that logic when trading it in though, maybe you can trick the dealer.
ptiemann said: There is nothing that you can register for $20. It must have been a typo.
My 1992 Ford Festiva (289,000 miles, value around $700) cost $61 in 2009 to register.
9.25% of value, right?
You can probably register a Razor Scooter for $20. If you're lucky.
chibimike said: jcbrooks said: Keep your car registered out of state. If you get pulled over, tell them you're a temporary contractor in state.
Yeah, that will work well. And how do you buy insurance for it? And if you do buy it in the other state you registered it, first claim you have, your insurance tells you to piss off. Better hope it isn't an expensive accident.
I got a 2009 Lexus 5 months ago and it's registered in CA but my insurance is listed in PA because that's where my last car was insured through (joint on my parents.. cheaper to pay them). I was told it's not a problem to be insured from out of state. YMMV on that though. I'm switching to my own plan here shortly as soon as I find the best quote.
dblevitan said: To those telling the OP to register it out of state, you can try, but you could very well get caught. If you're a CA resident, you're required to register in CA. I've had friends who were ticketed and forced to register their car in CA plus pay additional fees for the late registration. Students have a possible exception, but CA state law doesn't specifically exempt them.
The only legal way to potentially lower your fees is to register with an out of state address. My car is registered that way (it's co-owned with my dad, so I left the address as my parents'), and when I was registering it the AAA people remarked that they didn't see many of the normal LA fees. This will only save you $20-30/year probably, if that. Not sure if you can move the car to an out of state address after you living in CA though.
Another fun fact about CA.. if you bring a car INTO CA and register it with CA you have to pay the differences in taxes on the purchase price from where you got the car. For example, if you bought your car in 2000 at $20,000 in PA with 6% sales tax and you move to CA, you have to pay the 3.75% tax difference on $20,000 even though your car is worth crap now. I've never done this (I left my beater car registered in PA til I got a new car), but my old roommate said she had to do this when she registered her Sportage from OH to CA. What BS.
ardentazn said: dirtrat said: haha, then they will ask you for your California contractors license.
jcbrooks said: Keep your car registered out of state. If you get pulled over, tell them you're a temporary contractor in state.
Tell them the car is not yours... your cousin is in town and you are driving it... There are so many advantages to having an out of state plate... I only wish I can get one... for starters: -smog/license every 4/2 yrs instead of 2/1.. -not require to have a front plate -more likely to get out a a 'fix-it' ticket since the car does not belong to you -never have to pay for a red-light camera ticket... -never pay for a parking ticket... -lower fees...
Once again, it's not fair for us...
YMMV on that. Most camera lights have about 8 cameras (2 at each corner) to catch your car from all angles, not just the front plate. You still have to pay parking tickets no matter what plates you have, they're tied to the car registration -- they use the VIN and plates. I still have paper plates on my car and got a parking ticket a couple weeks ago and they take down the VIN number so I'm accountable. You still have to report for fix-it tickets just like any other because you're driving in the state, it doesn't matter what state the car is from.
And another YMMV on this, but I had a friend get a camera ticket when her boyfriend was driving her car and she blamed it on a "valet" and got out of it.
diamente said: I put the video on youtube for all to see. I received it from the informal discovery request. I am going to ask the judge to at least reduce the fine.
The youtube video has a stutter pause where you are about to turn. Is this a problem with youtube encoding, or does the original video have this as well? The stutter definitely appears just as you are turning and indicates a malfunctioning camera which means you did make a complete stop but the camera stuttered and made it appear otherwise.
Crazytree
Senior Member - 7K
posted: Aug. 30, 2009 @ 3:00a
marketingmike said: Reason #4,180 not to live in California.and what paradise-on-earth do you live in... Cleveland?
jpinoy
Addicted Member
posted: Aug. 30, 2009 @ 3:05a
tripleB said: diamente said: I put the video on youtube for all to see. I received it from the informal discovery request. I am going to ask the judge to at least reduce the fine.
The youtube video has a stutter pause where you are about to turn. Is this a problem with youtube encoding, or does the original video have this as well? The stutter definitely appears just as you are turning and indicates a malfunctioning camera which means you did make a complete stop but the camera stuttered and made it appear otherwise. Stutter or not, still not a long enough stop to be considered a legal stop. OP, I'd stay quiet and just pay the fee, as I just noticed a secondary violation.
jpinoy said: Stutter or not, still not a long enough stop to be considered a legal stop. OP, I'd stay quiet and just pay the fee, as I just noticed a secondary violation.
I thought maybe it was the glare from the sun or he was driving a brand-new car. But now it looks like an open-and-shut case, Johnson!
Good catch. I guess it shows the camera taking pictures. that's probably why it's causing the pause. But on the internet (not on youtube) where you can view the video, there's a timer underneath it. The internet page I am talking about is the one the police give you the password and you sign up to watch the footage. This video I got was the one I requested from the police department. i don't know why it didn't show the timer underneath it.
tripleB said: diamente said: I put the video on youtube for all to see. I received it from the informal discovery request. I am going to ask the judge to at least reduce the fine.
The youtube video has a stutter pause where you are about to turn. Is this a problem with youtube encoding, or does the original video have this as well? The stutter definitely appears just as you are turning and indicates a malfunctioning camera which means you did make a complete stop but the camera stuttered and made it appear otherwise.
What is the secondary violation? there's no sign saying no turn on red. I went back and took pictures of that intersection.
jpinoy said: tripleB said: diamente said: I put the video on youtube for all to see. I received it from the informal discovery request. I am going to ask the judge to at least reduce the fine.
The youtube video has a stutter pause where you are about to turn. Is this a problem with youtube encoding, or does the original video have this as well? The stutter definitely appears just as you are turning and indicates a malfunctioning camera which means you did make a complete stop but the camera stuttered and made it appear otherwise. Stutter or not, still not a long enough stop to be considered a legal stop. OP, I'd stay quiet and just pay the fee, as I just noticed a secondary violation.
jpinoy
Addicted Member
posted: Aug. 30, 2009 @ 4:55a
diamente said: What is the secondary violation? there's no sign saying no turn on red. I went back and took pictures of that intersection.
jpinoy said: tripleB said: diamente said: I put the video on youtube for all to see. I received it from the informal discovery request. I am going to ask the judge to at least reduce the fine.
The youtube video has a stutter pause where you are about to turn. Is this a problem with youtube encoding, or does the original video have this as well? The stutter definitely appears just as you are turning and indicates a malfunctioning camera which means you did make a complete stop but the camera stuttered and made it appear otherwise. Stutter or not, still not a long enough stop to be considered a legal stop. OP, I'd stay quiet and just pay the fee, as I just noticed a secondary violation. Changing lanes, near or in an intersection. Not illegal, but possible citation as "unsafe lane change".
codename47
Senior Member - 3K
posted: Aug. 30, 2009 @ 6:47a
You foolishly have your car registered under your name? Hahahahahaha That's what you get. Register the car to a corporation, trust, or some other entity (LLC, S Corp, etc...) in another state. You can still get insurance.
delzy said: California has all these safety rules like lane splitting for motorcycles. It's no wonder why when I'm driving down there I feel like I'm driving in Central AmericaDoes Central America have lots of driving safety rules ?
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