Is $500 cost for license plate possible? (new home, inspections, taxes)

[mplsbruin]

New to the state and was shocked when we were hit with a 500 dollar fee for MN license plates on our 2 year old Volvo. Unbelievable! Will it get better next year when it's 3 yrs old?
Btw, I confirmed the numbers on the official website where you enter your license plate and vin numbers.
Pretty sure that I've never paid more than 50 to 60 bucks for plates, even new cars, in NJ and CA.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by mplsbruin

New to the state and was shocked when we were hit with a 500 dollar fee for MN license plates on our 2 year old Volvo. Unbelievable! Will it get better next year when it's 3 yrs old?

I think the fee is based on the vehicle's value. Georgia separates the actual license fee from that fee and calls it and "ad valorem" tax.

Such taxes are a very good reason to drive an older car.

I also drive my 94 Accord EX because it's been paid off for a long time, and it still gets between 28 and 29mpg in town (my own measure over the past three years using a little PalmOS program).

I should add: my ad valorem for 2008 was $27.89.
A 2008 Accord EX would be around $250.00. In Georgia (unincorporated Cobb County).

[LSU Tiger Z71]

That's simply unreal.

[mplsbruin]

Believe me, it's real!!!
Well, I expected the "old car" response which makes total sense!
MN is well-known for its social welfare programs, so I suspect this one of the ways they pay for it!
Hey, I'm very happy in my new home state!

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by mplsbruin

Believe me, it's real!!!
Well, I expected the "old car" response which makes total sense!
MN is well-known for its social welfare programs, so I suspect this one of the ways they pay for it!
Hey, I'm very happy in my new home state!

The tax you pay on your license plates goes to fix the roads, not to pay for welfare.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by golfgal

The tax you pay on your license plates goes to fix the roads, not to pay for welfare.

It's money well-spent, too, in my opinion. The winters up there are extremely hard on road surfaces.

[Clifford63]

Originally Posted by golfgal

The tax you pay on your license plates goes to fix the roads, not to pay for welfare.

Or perhaps to keep the jesse train. running. TFF since he was the gov that lowered the registration fees, which obviously did not last. $500 is a lot of money for sure.

Something else to consider is the gas tax in MN is actually pretty low. Bet CA and NJ collect a bit more of that. Also, no inspections in MN. Might ease the pain some since they don't send the prep H with your stickers.

[Minnehahapolitan]

Originally Posted by golfgal

The tax you pay on your license plates goes to fix the roads, not to pay for welfare.

Judging by the roads....maybe not.

[Minnehahapolitan]

Originally Posted by Clifford63

Or perhaps to keep the jesse train. running. TFF since he was the gov that lowered the registration fees, which obviously did not last. $500 is a lot of money for sure.

Something else to consider is the gas tax in MN is actually pretty low. Bet CA and NJ collect a bit more of that. Also, no inspections in MN. Might ease the pain some since they don't send the prep H with your stickers.

I assure you that the thousands of miles of freeways are costing significantly more.

[Clifford63]

Originally Posted by Minnehahapolitan

I assure you that the thousands of miles of freeways are costing significantly more.

You missed the point. All I was saying is that money does not all go to fix roads. In theory it could be used for anything. Don't believe that, look at who you write the check out to. It certianly is not Minnesota DOT. Same deal with the new money they are getting for the Clean Water, Wildlife, Cultural Heritage and Natural Areas Amendment. Bank on them stealing that money for whatever. TPaw more or less said they are going to do it. I feel like a sap for voting yes on that. Hopefully some of it goes to the right place.