2005 Senate Bill 160 (Exempt certain vehicles from $10 registration “late fee” )

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Introduced by Sen. Ron Jelinek (R) on February 3, 2005, to exempt vehicles from the $10 “late fee” charged when a vehicle registration is renewed after a previous registration has expired, if they are only insured for comprehensive damage (as opposed to collision insurance). This “late fee” was imposed by 2003 Senate Bill 554, which increased a number of vehicle registration fees in order to balance the budget without cutting spending.
- Referred to the Senate Transportation Committee on February 3, 2005.

Most Recent Comments

1) both ways [by Anonymous Citizen on February 9, 2005]
I had a car in the dealer didnt renue paid the fee. You should be able to get money back if you cancell your plate if the car is not in use. Sounds fair to me..Oh I am sorry that would only benifit the people.

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2) Whoa! This is scary. [by MCP-001 on February 4, 2005]
Another bill to deal with the blatant shakedown tactics from the last session of the legislature.

After overusing "the sky is falling" stratagem, not to mention the fact that Lansing was $155 million in THE BLACK at the end of the last budget cycle, they're going to need to do some serious damage control to regain what little credibility they once had.

Hopefully, they will add a retroactive clause to refund the monies overpaid from last lear (a'la the proof of insurance scam).

This bill is an excellent step in the right direct, and should be approved and signed into law.
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3) Are You Late in Not Paying Taxes You Don't Owe? [by Anonymous Citizen on February 4, 2005]
It's about time the legislature fixed what may be the most embarrassing act of the last session: the law that charges you a $10 "late fee" if you don't renew your car license plates before they expire.

Car owners (such as antique-car restorers) who may store a car out of use for extended periods have to pay the $10 tax if they let their registration lapse for a year. Even though no road-use fees are due on a car that isn't driven, these owners must still pay the $10. In effect, they are being charged a fee for being late in not paying taxes they don't owe.

Governor Granholm and the 2003-04 legislature were unembarrassed by this sleazy money-grubbing. But at least a few legislators still feel some embarrassment at chiseling Michigan taxpayers in so irritating a fashion. A majority should join Rep. Jelinek in speedily croaking this tax.
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