State of MI wants to put the "screws" to motorcyclists

[Momz]

I just found out about his yesterday at our annual Bike Blessing in Hell.
The following report was sent to me this morning by the ABATE of MI's state ledgeslative officer, Jim Rhoades.

Howdy everyone:  This is to remind you first and foremost about our freedom rally this Wednesday, June 5th in Lansing.  If you haven't heard yet, there is a bill, HB-4630 and a SUBSTITUTE bill for HB-4632 (replacing 4630) which will INCREASE your motorcycle license plate costs based on the value of your motorcycle.  That means that if you have a $20,000 motorcycle, your plates will increase from $23 now to approx. $180.  The bill is going to be heard in the House Transportation Committee on TUESDAY at 10:30 in the House Office Building at which ABATE will be participating the day before our rally.  I will send you a list of the members of that Committee for you to call on Monday and Tuesday under a separate e-mail.  The conference call will be on TUESDAY night @ 7:00 p.m. so you can report on what the results of your phone calls were.  It is extremely important for you to contact the members of this committee and ask them to postpone or refrain from supporting this legislation until we have a chance to modify it.  I am attaching the call-in instructions. with directions for the call.  We will also be discussing the recent turn of events on the Helmet law issue along with our plan of attack.  Please have someone from your region participate if you can't make it.  If you have any questions, Please contact me.  Later, Jim Rhoades - Legislative Officer

[solo1]

That's nothing new in Indiana. We've been paying a fee based on the value of the vehicle for years. It goes down each year and reaches bottom after eight years.

At any rate, I'm glad that I don't own an overvalued HD.

[sandy]

When I bought my '05 Wing in '08 the fee was $215. Now it's dropped down to less than $150. My '94 F 150 is cheaper than the '98 Valk.

[old2soon]

IF my rekememberer is working here in the Sho Me it's on a sliding scale by year of mfg. I know a friend of mine has an 01 Buick that is paying more than I am on a 94 Olds. Looks to me as with just about any state-lookin fer more REVENUE.  Might be interesting to see what we in different states pay per year for our rides-cage and fun machines.  RIDE SAFE.

[cookiedough]

Never heard of that before, guess I'm not up to date on stuff like this.  Personally, I think it is the stupidest thing I ever heard of.  Makes me want to buy a piece of junk and run it down the road.

Same about the new WI ATV law requiring license plates on the back of ATV's.  After a few miles, most are too dirty/dusty or muddy to read anyways not going to stop every 5-10 miles and clean them off to be able to read.  

[Rams]

Don't get me wrong, I don't have a dog in this fight but, I honestly don't see any reason motorcycles should be taxed or licensed differently than a cage.   Maybe I'm wrong but, I thought most states taxed based on the vehicle's value, why would a motorcycle be different?  

Again, maybe I don't have all the facts but it sounds like everyone is getting their motorcycle tags for the same price whether is a small scooter, a street endure type, a Valkyrie or a Hog.   If that's correct, I can understand why the guys with the more expensive bikes are squealing like little girls.    Personally, I don't have an issue with it but, I already pay the taxes on my vehicles based on value.

[BonS]

In Missouri we pay an annual property tax based upon the value of our cars, motorcycles and homes every year. Our tag registration fees are not based upon the value of the vehicle. Same difference though. The personal property tax is the one thing that keeps me from buying new toys when I would  like to because I absolutely hate paying tax on the same vehicle year after year. Disgusting.  

[PAVALKER]

I believe some are confusing "registration or plate fees" with "personal property tax".   Some states have one, the other or maybe even both.   The "personal property tax" is based on estimated value of the vehicle (car, bike, truck trailer etc).  In Pa, we don't (yet) have Personal Property Tax, but do have a registration or plate fee.  For my bike I think it's 18 bucks (regardless of brand)  My antique bikes are a one time permanent fee (not annual) and are a bit more, but no annual plates/stickers or state inspections are required again either.    Trailers (utility and one I pull behind the Valk) is 6.00 each annually.   Car is 36 annually.  Truck is like 56.00 annually.   In PA we have an annual state inspection AND emission inspection in my county  on cars and trucks, bikes just have annual state inspection (less the antiques).  

[Rams]

I believe some are confusing "registration or plate fees" with "personal property tax".   Some states have one, the other or maybe even both.   The "personal property tax" is based on estimated value of the vehicle (car, bike, truck trailer etc).  In Pa, we don't (yet) have Personal Property Tax, but do have a registration or plate fee.  For my bike I think it's 18 bucks (regardless of brand)  My antique bikes are a one time permanent fee (not annual) and are a bit more, but no annual plates/stickers or state inspections are required again either.    Trailers (utility and one I pull behind the Valk) is 6.00 each annually.   Car is 36 annually.  Truck is like 56.00 annually.   In PA we have an annual state inspection AND emission inspection in my county  on cars and trucks, bikes just have annual state inspection (less the antiques).  

I'm sure you're correct about the confusion but, it all comes down to the government getting their two to ten pounds of flesh however they collect it.   There are quite a few ways they get their fees but, they all figure out a way to do it.    My comment was meant to say, regardless of how they derive that fee or tax, I don't see why it would be any different than other vehicles.    Although much more enjoyable, they fulfill the same function and are on the same roads. 

Some states don't have income taxes but, they still figure out a way to get their pound of flesh.   Ride safe.   

[98valk]

new jersey raised the registration fee from $35 to $65 in one yr. which is more than compact cars. there are laws in nj about raising the fees too much for auto/trucks but not motorcycles since they list them as pleasure/recreation vehicles, so they can do whatever they want.

[Rams]

new jersey raised the registration fee from $35 to $65 in one yr. which is more than compact cars. there are laws in nj about raising the fees too much for auto/trucks but not motorcycles since they list them as pleasure/recreation vehicles, so they can do whatever they want.

Well now, that just ain't right.   I ride my Valkyrie to and from work as often as I can, I drive my truck when ever someone pays me to.   My cars are mostly driveway obstacles and ornaments.

[Jess from VA]

The assholes in G (everywhere) just need/want more of our money to spend (uncontrollably).  Every dollar our taxes go up for anything, should reduce their salaries by $100.

In VA we pay both plate registration, and personal property taxes (forever), and we used to have to kick in an extra $10 for the personal property tax sticker to put on the vehicle. Car personal property tax is based on blue book, but cycles are based on purchase price.  Glad my brother sold my bike back to me for cheap.

I would like a new or newer truck, but will not buy it while I live in this state.

[Hooter]

Years ago when the govenor was Ol "Jennifer" and the state was having some issues monitarily, not unlike many other states they had a brainstorm. It was decided to get immeidate money by issuing "permanant trailer plates",  at a one time fee. With that one time fee you don't have any annual updating of trailer plates, these are good for life. Great for a one time bail out but the state ended up screwing itself in the long run without having to renew plates annually which produces a constant flow of money. They will go ahead as they think they must (and they will) and shoot themselves in the foot. My 98 isn't real new!  How much can they get for the newest Valk, a 2003? Ya some of us have second and third bikes, I do, but what the hey. If we have to we have to.

[flcjr]

Here in Montana we pay a pne time permenant fee for bikes,atv's,and trailers(rv). My valk I think was 120 my atv maybe 80 rv's and trailers vary buy value but all are only one time fees until you sell it then the new owner must pay again. I think my 2007 bumper pull camper was 175 new.

[Momz]

Here in MI the yearly motorcycle license plate fees would be based on 0.09% of the manufacturers MSRP. That fee would not decrease over the life of the vehicle (as our cars and trucks).

The state claims that the revenue would be used to repair our roads, based on the damage caused by the vehicles. Yet MI has the highest per axle weight limit for commercial vehicles (trucks). Why TAX motorcycles when they normally have the lowest overall vehicle weights?

We are in the same latitude as the state of WI, and our gasoline taxes are about $0.50 per gallon more. The gas TAXES are supposed to be used to maintain our roads and expressways, and WI (in general) has far better maintained roadways.

I am opposed to any TAX increase in MI for any reason,....we still have some of the highest unemployment rates in the country. So tell me, how are TAX increases going to effect the under and unemployed citizens,...whether you are a motorcyclist or not!

[Momz]

Years ago when the govenor was Ol "Jennifer" and the state was having some issues monitarily, not unlike many other states they had a brainstorm. It was decided to get immeidate money by issuing "permanant trailer plates",  at a one time fee. With that one time fee you don't have any annual updating of trailer plates, these are good for life. Great for a one time bail out but the state ended up screwing itself in the long run without having to renew plates annually which produces a constant flow of money. They will go ahead as they think they must (and they will) and shoot themselves in the foot. My 98 isn't real new!  How much can they get for the newest Valk, a 2003? Ya some of us have second and third bikes, I do, but what the hey. If we have to we have to.

Yes and also Jenny wanted to raid the "motorcycle education funds". All registered motorcycles pay $5.00 out of their license fees toward "earmarked M/C education funds". Luckily ABATE was on top of this fund robbery and she was caught with her "hand in the cookie jar".

[Varmintmist]

PA is by weight. The MC's are 18 each, car 36, f150 56(8?) and the F250 is 198.00

[solo1]

In defense of the states, no matter the unemployment rate, infrastructure continues to deteriorate.  When I was a councilman, the main things to remember was that the voter doesn't like potholes and when he flushes the toilet, he expects the sh** to roll downhill and out of his sight. literally.

Fair taxes and fair spending work.  It up to the voter to think about what's fair.

Indiana seems to have a good handle on getting the most buck for the bang but not all states do.

[Jack]

In Missouri we pay an annual property tax based upon the value of our cars, motorcycles and homes every year. Our tag registration fees are not based upon the value of the vehicle. Same difference though. The personal property tax is the one thing that keeps me from buying new toys when I would  like to because I absolutely paying tax on the same vehicle year after year. Disgusting. 

Same here in Arkansas

[justintyper]

here in ny its 17.50 a year for bike reg and car/truck is based on weight/ a few years ago we had a blind governor (i sh#t you not) and they pulled a money grab with licence plates either you paid i think it was 50 or 75 extra to keep your white/blue plates or get stuck with the hideous amber/blue that was supposedly easier for the plate scanners on cop cars to read (total bull) but i live in ny so im used to getting screwed...in a bad way

[Master Blaster]

Louisiana 12 bux for four years.   Only pay property tax on property.  Not vehicles or such.

[cookiedough]

Louisiana 12 bux for four years.   Only pay property tax on property.  Not vehicles or such.

I think we all should move to Louisiana!   

WI roads maybe, in my opinion, are slightly better than MI, but not by much.  Never heard of taxing based on vehicles values.  It should be a car is a set reg/plate fee, same fee for all 1/2 ton trucks, and same fee for all cycles.  I think car reg. fees are mid 70's and trucks are 84 bucks per year last I checked or somewhere around there.   Long time ago I remember it was like 35 bucks, oohhh how times have changed.  The govt. has us all by the balls and get as much as they can out of people until we are all in the poor house.   

Same can be said about a lot of things including health care of what is and isn't paid on claims along with the astonishing amount of premiums we have to pay and the deductibles and co-pays go up as well.  Insurance use to be a whole lot cheaper, but won't even go there and change subject.  Rant on! 

[Moonshot_1]

I think that the motorcycle fees should be based on how many Harley shirts you have in the closet.

[fudgie]

I think that the motorcycle fees should be based on how many Harley shirts you have in the closet.

I'm screwed. 

[Tropic traveler]

In Florida it's based on weight classification of vehicle, bikes are all the same. About 3 years ago the state raised the tag fees significantly but did offer a two year renewal to beat the increase for one year only. I bit the bullet & renewed for 2 years back then.
They used to offer an "antique" tag for cars & trucks 20 years & older that was a good bit cheaper but that got raised too AND they raised the age requirement to 30 years old.
Money, money, money.... that's what it's always been about.  But we aint got no state income tax.
Don't get me started on property taxes!  

[scoot]

It was back in the early 80's I believe when the state went from charging by weight to value. I would bet most can figure out why. Cars were getting lighter, more people were buying smaller cars. The state was loosing money.

[Romeo]

About 5 yrs ago now, I started my own business. Part of my business involves the sale of things. So, I decided to attend a sales tax seminar to familiarize myself with the ins and outs of collecting and paying sales tax on the things I sold. The very first thing the instructor, who by the way was a state sales tax official told us was to forget about asking questions pertaining to "why" something is taxed, or why one thong is and another isnt. He said, you can not attach reason to the collection of taxes. Its all about  how can the state raise revenue, nothing more, nothing less.

[Hooter]

I think that the motorcycle fees should be based on how many Harley shirts you have in the closet.

I'm screwed. 

You and me both!

[Skinhead]

Harley owners aren't going to like this.  $30,000*0.09%=$27

Here in MI the yearly motorcycle license plate fees would be based on 0.09% of the manufacturers MSRP. That fee would not decrease over the life of the vehicle (as our cars and trucks).

[Momz]

Harley owners aren't going to like this.  $30,000*0.09%=$27

Here in MI the yearly motorcycle license plate fees would be based on 0.09% of the manufacturers MSRP. That fee would not decrease over the life of the vehicle (as our cars and trucks).

Sorry, should have just put "nine percent" instead of $0.09%.
But a bike costing 30K would pay $270.00 per year for their yearly license plates.
And your I/S had a MSRP of at least 14K, that would make your plate cost greater than $125.00 versus the $23.00 your paying currently.

[Skinhead]

Harley owners aren't going to like this.  $30,000*0.09%=$27

Here in MI the yearly motorcycle license plate fees would be based on 0.09% of the manufacturers MSRP. That fee would not decrease over the life of the vehicle (as our cars and trucks).

Sorry, should have just put "nine percent" instead of $0.09%.
But a bike costing 30K would pay $270.00 per year for their yearly license plates.
And your I/S had a MSRP of at least 14K, that would make your plate cost greater than $125.00 versus the $23.00 your paying currently.

I merely put in what you stated, which is why I quoted you.  $270 is 0.9%.

[gregk]

don't let this crap happen, you need to spread word fast go get them.

[Hooter]

About 5 yrs ago now, I started my own business. Part of my business involves the sale of things. So, I decided to attend a sales tax seminar to familiarize myself with the ins and outs of collecting and paying sales tax on the things I sold. The very first thing the instructor, who by the way was a state sales tax official told us was to forget about asking questions pertaining to "why" something is taxed, or why one thong is and another isnt. He said, you can not attach reason to the collection of taxes. Its all about  how can the state raise revenue, nothing more, nothing less.

Exactly my  point. We can fight, claw and argue all we want but they will do what they want. I can see some bikes coming up for sale if this makes it. Our current MFWBIC is as bad as the last one!

[BonS]

About 5 yrs ago now, I started my own business. Part of my business involves the sale of things. So, I decided to attend a sales tax seminar to familiarize myself with the ins and outs of collecting and paying sales tax on the things I sold. The very first thing the instructor, who by the way was a state sales tax official told us was to forget about asking questions pertaining to "why" something is taxed, or why one thong is and another isnt. He said, you can not attach reason to the collection of taxes. Its all about  how can the state raise revenue, nothing more, nothing less.

In Florida if you buy 5 or fewer donuts they are taxed. If you buy 6 then they are not taxed. If you don't get them in a sack or box they are taxed regardless of quantity. Oh geeze.   I'll take my Valkyrie in a box please.

[cookiedough]

I think that the motorcycle fees should be based on how many Harley shirts you have in the closet.

I'm screwed. 

You and me both!

Mine would be free, never owned HD logo, probably never will.  Nice quality usually but rarely find a good deal at least around here anyways.

HD co-worker won't buy anything but HD logoed clothing.  I asked him if his wife who also works with us has HD panties and bras as well not that I'd like to find out she weighs guessing near 250  lbs. and I am being nice on that weight 

[Hoser]

The best deal in Kansas is no tags for a trailer that weighs less tha 2000 lbs.  No tax either.  Most MC trailers weigh less than that. Antiques are decent too.  My 47 year old Mustang cost's 20 bux a year, after a one time charge for antique tags.  Antique motorcycles apply the same way.  I have one that's eligible,  I'll get it done sooner or later.  The fees on it are pretty cheap anyway.  Hoser