Higher auto registration fees come as a shock to one reader
QI hope you can provide some insight. Last year, I bought a
2017 Ford F-250. First year’s registration was $810. Next year’s registration will be $941. What gives? How can my registration (already crazy high) go up $100plus after the first year? Shouldn’t registration fees go down each year, based on value of the vehicle?
AVehicle registration fees went up Jan. 1 as part of the package to raise $52 billion over the next decade to upgrade our roads, mainly through higher gas and diesel taxes. But higher registration fees will bring in $16.3 billion over 10 years. The higher costs are based on the value of the vehicle. Here are the new extra fees:
• Less than $5,000: $25
• Less than $25,000: $50
• Less than 35,000: $100
• Less than $60,000: $150
• More than $60,000: $175
• Commercial vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds are exempt
Afrom the tax. Beginning in 2020 the fee will be indexed annually based on the Consumer Price Index.
QEvery night my wife takes the northbound Highway 17 exit onto White Oaks Road to get to Camden Avenue. Drivers in the two exit lanes have their choice of three lanes, with the rightmost being the right turn and through traffic only.
The problem is that although the two leftturn lanes are full, the through and rightturn lane is often quite open. So people often and unexpectedly hurtle into the intersection by driving on the ramp’s dirt shoulder. Please tell your police friends about this horrible situation before someone is hurt. I have and it is possible a fence could be installed to prevent this. The VTA has earmarked $750 million for interchange improvements in Santa Clara County over the next 30 years, but it’s too early to say this will make the list.
QWhat is the status of Montague Expressway between Pectin Court and Interstate 680? The road is a mess and should be repaved.
AIt will be repaved between Pecten Court and Capitol Avenue when work ends, perhaps by the end of the year. Montague and South Milpitas Boulevard will re-open when the traffic lights are activated by the utility company.
QMany motorists ignore the “SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT” sign. Can the sign please be changed? My vote is for a picture of a turtle in the fast lane tailgated by two rabbits.
ANow that would be creative. Remember, if traffic to your right is going faster, move over.