House Bill Could Limit Late Vehicle Registration Fee

A move to put a cap on what Coloradans pay in late registration fees is being considered by lawmakers.

House Bill 12-1014 would limit how much the state can charge in penalties for letting your vehicle registration lapse. Currently, the state can charge $25 per month up to $100. Rep. Randy Baumgardner, R- Hot Sulpher Springs, would like that late charge to be set at $20.

The change would potentially take about $12 million from the state’s projected transportation budget over the next two years. Taxpayers contacted by KRDO Newschannel 13 said it is a fair proposition.

“I do believe a lower amount as a penalty is definitely a better idea for [the average Joe.] We can’t afford it,” said John Avery, a Colorado resident.

“Given that we’re in a recession and everything, it costs more than we can afford,” said Kia Williams, another Colorado driver. “I definitely agree that there should be a cap on it.”

Baumgardner said besides helping family budgets, the move will also help small businesses that see heavy penalties as a deterrent to ramping up business and putting vehicles with expired registrations back on the road.

HB 12-1014 was introduced in the Transportation Committee on Wednesday for public comment. A vote on the measure was delayed.

A similar bill introduced by Baumgardner in 2011 would have eliminated the late fee completely. That measure passed the House but was killed in the Senate.