DMV Fee Hikes Hit Fleet Owners in Pockets

On Sept. 1, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) increased fees by 25 percent, according to PostStar.com. For some fleet owners in the area, the increase is hitting them hard in the pockets.

New York residents will now have to pay $64.50, as opposed to $50, for the standard eight-year driver's license fee. Those seeking to register a typical passenger vehicle will now have to pay $55, an $11 increase from the previous cost, for a two-year period.

Because commercial vehicles vary by weight, the increase in registration fees will range from $3 to $52.

Additionally, effective April 2010, all vehicles that are registered or renewed will have to purchase new license plates for $25.

The DMV stated that the fees were raised as a way to narrow the state budget deficit. In addition, the extra money will help finance infrastructure projects.

Sarasota Springs, N.Y.-based Stewart's Shops' spokesman Tom Mailey said the increase in fees and new license plates will add to the cost of doing business in New York.

With a fleet of more than 100 vehicles, he stated, "We're already in a position where we estimate about a third of every dollar that's spent in one of our shops goes out in taxes."