Are New DMV Fees Driving You Crazy?

Car owners and drivers in Rhode Island are paying more this year for licenses and registrations, under a 2011 law meant to keep the state Department of Transportation from taking out more debt to fund its projects.

As part of the Transportation Investment and Debt Reduction Act, fees for drivers' licenses went up $10 starting July 1, and are scheduled to increase to $20 in July, 2014 and $30 beginning in July, 2015.

[In Bristol and Warren, the nearest DMV office is located at the Warren Police Department on Joyce Street.]

The additional amount is a surcharge to the previous fees of $26.50 for a first license and $41.50 for a five-year renewal.

For one-year car registrations, a new charge of $5 is in effect through next July, with increases to $10 and $15 scheduled for fiscal 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Car registrations that are renewed every two years went up by $10 this year, with hikes to $20 and $30 through 2015.

According to the Providence Journal, the purpose of the 2011 law is to bring in revenue that will let the DOT pay its 20-percent match of federal funds for road and bridge repairs, without borrowing additional money.

The move is expected to save $17 million per year in bond costs, the Journal noted.

Tell Us: What do you think of the new surcharges for licenses and registrations?

Do you think it's a good idea to keep the DOT from borrowing more money — even if it means paying more at the Registry now?

Will the new fees prevent you from buying a new car or truck?

Have your say in the comments below.