North Carolina Legislature Proposes Vehicle Registration Fee Increase to Fund State Highway Patrol Salaries
Raleigh, NC — On March 12, 2025, the North Carolina General Assembly introduced House Bill 386, aiming to increase vehicle registration fees for private passenger vehicles. The additional revenue is designated to enhance salaries for the State Highway Patrol.
Key Provisions of House Bill 386:
• Fee Increase: The bill proposes an additional fee of $6.25 on the annual registration of private passenger vehicles. This would raise the total registration fee from $38.75 to $45.00 for vehicles accommodating up to 15 passengers.
• Allocation of Funds: The revenue from this fee is earmarked exclusively for the Department of Public Safety to support salary increases for State Highway Patrol officers.
• Salary Adjustments: The bill outlines a structured pay scale based on years of experience, starting at $56,000 for new troopers and reaching up to $105,000 for those with eight or more years of service. Additionally, specific ranks such as Sergeant, First Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Major have designated salary levels, with Majors earning $176,790 annually.
Financial Context:
North Carolina’s economy has demonstrated resilience, leading to a projected revenue surplus. Economists anticipate that state tax collections will surpass initial estimates by $544 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. This surplus is attributed to stronger-than-expected economic conditions, including growth in wages and consumer spending.
However, future revenue projections indicate minimal growth, with a forecasted 0.5% increase in the 2025-26 fiscal year and a potential 2.4% decline in 2026-27. These projections are influenced by scheduled tax cuts and other fiscal policies.
Recent Legislative Actions:
This proposal follows recent legislative discussions on vehicle-related fees. Notably, Senate Bill 192, introduced earlier this year, seeks to increase vehicle inspection fees. If enacted, the safety-only inspection fee would rise from $12.75 to $29.15, and the combined emissions and safety inspection fee would increase from $23.75 to $40.15.
Public Response:
The introduction of HB 386 has elicited mixed reactions from the public. Some citizens express concern over the cumulative financial impact of increased fees, especially in light of the state’s reported budget surplus. Others acknowledge the importance of adequately compensating law enforcement personnel to ensure public safety.
Next Steps:
House Bill 386 has been referred to the House Transportation Committee for further deliberation. If it gains approval, it will proceed to additional committees before potential votes in the House and Senate. Governor Josh Stein’s stance on the bill remains unannounced.
For ongoing coverage of this and other legislative developments, stay informed with the Bull City Citizen.
Note: This article is based on information available as of March 13, 2025. Legislative activities are subject to change.
