Ken
O’Brien
On Tuesday the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation (MassDOT) Registry of Motor Vehicles Division announced a series
of public meetings on the proposed changes to three RMV fees. The changes will
allow MassDOT to close a projected $55 million budget gap in Fiscal Year 2015,
make customer improvements, and invest in the Commonwealth’s transportation
system.
Transportation finance legislation passed by the
Legislature last year required MassDOT to generate its own additional revenue
to help fund future budgets. Under a plan approved by the MassDOT Board in
March, non-commercial vehicle registration fees for motor vehicles will
increase from $50 to $60. There will be no change to commercial registration
fees. Annual motor vehicle inspections will increase to $35, up from $29. The
road test fee, a one-time fee for the majority of drivers, will increase to
$35, up from $20. Portions of the road test revenue will help support improved
customer service for first time drivers.
