AB 443

This bill exempts special group plates for fire fighters, rescue squad members,

and emergency medical technicians and first responders (EMTs) from special

registration plate fees.

Current law enumerates various authorized special groups whose members

may obtain from the Department of Transportation special registration plates for

certain vehicles that are owned or leased by special group members. Among the

special groups are two special groups for fire fighters and EMTs (one group for each

of the two styles of special registration plates DOT offers for fire fighters and EMTs)

and one special group for rescue squad members.

Under current law, DOT collects a registration fee for the initial registration or

registration renewal of most motor vehicles operated on the highway. The amount

of the registration fee varies by type of vehicle with automobiles subject to a $75

annual registration fee. In addition to the regular registration fee, DOT charges a

fee of $15 for the issuance or reissuance of most special registration plates.

Under this bill, there is no $15 additional fee for fire fighter, rescue squad

member, or EMT special registration plates.