IRP Handbook

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Section 5 of 15

Chapter 5: IRP Registration Fees

5.000 – PAYMENT OPTIONS

Fees submitted by the registrant or their authorized agent for IRP applications must be calculated in one of the following ways:

  • Full (100%) California fees, OR
  • *CA Apportioned Fees + Other Jurisdiction Fees, OR
  • $250 per vehicle per month for the number of months between the application date and expiration date, OR
  • $300 per vehicle per month (purchase price of $200,000 or more) for the number of months between the application date and expiration date.

*A copy of the billing from the registrant or registration service agent’s system software that was utilized to calculate fees for CA and other jurisdiction(s) must be submitted with the application.

5.005 – PAYMENT METHODS

A cashier’s check, money order, or a personal or company check is  acceptable methods of payment; unless a dishonored check was submitted for payment of fees on the apportioned account. If a dishonored check was submitted for payment, certified funds, i.e. cashier’s check or money order, is required to clear the dishonored check.

5.010 – PAYMENT BY DISHONORED CHECK

IRP applications paid by a check that are subsequently dishonored by the bank are subject to the applicable rate of penalties according to the date of repayment.  In addition to penalties, a returned check fee will be assessed to the transaction.

5.015 – CALIFORNIA FEE SCHEDULE

The California Fee Schedule is posted on the DMV website.

Rounding Rules:

  • Any fee in the amount of $0.01 to $0.99 round up to $1.00.
  • Any fee more than $1.00 with cents totaling from $0.01 to $0.49 round down to the nearest whole dollar.
  • Any fee more than $1.00 with cents totaling from $0.50 to $0.99 round up to the nearest whole dollar.

The above rounding rules are to be applied to the California Vehicle License Fee (VLF) prior to determining the full California fee, and then again to the California apportioned fee after applying the mileage percentage.

THE INTERNET FEE CALCULATOR IS AVAILABLE TO DETERMINE CALIFORNIA FULL FEES (DMV.CA.GOV).  A CALIFORNIA ZIP CODE WILL BE REQUIRED (EXCLUDE USE TAX).

5.020 – APPORTIONED FEES OR FULL CALIFORNIA FEES

Under the Plan, vehicle registration fees are apportioned based on the miles traveled in each jurisdiction.  The plan specifies the base jurisdiction may assess 100% fees when the vehicle does not qualify for IRP registration.

5.025 – INVOICE STATEMENT

When an IRP application is processed an invoice statement indicating the amount due, any prior payments, and balance due, if any.  Once an invoice statement has been issued, IRP indicia will not be issued until all fees are paid in full.  In order to avoid lapses in valid registration authorization, registration agents and customers are required to remit full apportioned registration fees due.

Balance due payments submitted to the IRP Operations Section in Sacramento by mail or by overnight courier service must be in the form of a check (personal or company checks) or money order. 

Please review all billings carefully and notify the IRP Operations Section at (916) 657-7971 of any discrepancies.

5.030 – SANCTIONS FOR FAILURE TO PAY FEES (CVC SECTIONS 8201 & 8203)

Failure to pay fees due may result in one or a combination of the following actions:

  • A lien being placed upon all vehicles operated as part of the fleet and on any other fleet vehicles operated by the registrant.
  • Suspension of apportioned registration
  • Seizure and sale orders for all vehicles operating as part of the fleet or owned by the registrant.
  • Civil action.

5.035 – CALIFORNIA IRP FEE STRUCTURE

California IRP vehicle fees are assessed based on two distinct categories as follows:

Category #1

This category identifies the fees for power vehicles operating at a gross/combined gross weight (G/CGVW) of 10,000 pounds or less:

  • Registration Fee (CVC Sections 9250, 9250.1,9250.8 & 9250.13): This fee is mileage apportioned; but, is not proportioned based on the number of months of registration.
     
  • Vehicle License Fee (VLF) (Revenue & Taxation Code (RTC) Section 10751): This fee is mileage apportioned and is proportioned based on the number of months of registration. This fee is determined based on the vehicle purchase price and purchase date to the current owner.
     
  • Unladen Weight Fee (CVC Section 9400): This fee is variable based on the number of axles and unladen weight of the vehicle.  The fee is mileage apportioned and is proportioned based on the number of months of registration.
     
  • County Fees (Various CVC Sections): These fees are mileage apportioned and vary based on the county of business address location.  The fees are not proportioned based on months of operation.  For participating county fee information visit the department’s website.
     
  • Reflectorized License Plate Fee (CVC Section 4850): This fee is only assessed when new IRP plates are issued.
     
  • IRP Application Fee (CVC Section 9250.15): This fee is assessed on  original, supplement, and renewal applications.  The fee is not mileage apportioned and is not proportioned based on the number of months of registration.
     
  • IRP Credential Fee (CVC Section 9259): This fee is required for each vehicle listed on an original, renewal and supplemental application in which indicia is issued.  This fee is not mileage apportioned and is not proportioned based on the number of months of registration.

Category #2:

This category identifies fees for power vehicles operating at a gross/combined gross weight (G/CGW) of 10,001 pounds or more. These vehicles are assessed the following fees:

  • Registration Fee (CVC Sections 9250, 9250.1,9250.8 & 9250.13): This fee is mileage apportioned; but, is not proportioned based on the number of months of registration.
     
  • Vehicle License Fee (VLF) (RTC Section 10751-37027);
    This fee is mileage apportioned and is proportioned based on the number of months of registration. This fee is determined based on the vehicle purchase price and purchase date to the current owner.
     
  • Commercial Vehicle Registration Act (CVRA) Fee
    (CVC Section 9400.1): This fee is part of the weight fees. It is mileage apportioned; but, is not proportioned based on the number of months of registration.
     
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Fee (CVC Section 9400.1): This fee is variable based on the applicant’s declared G/CGW.  The fee is mileage apportioned and is proportioned based on the number of months of registration.
     
  • Cargo Theft Interdiction Program (CTIP) Fee)
    (CVC Section 9400.1 (d) (1-4)): This fee is mileage apportioned; but, is not proportioned based on the number of months of registration.
     
  • County Fees (Various CVC Sections): These fees are mileage apportioned and vary based on the county of business address location.  The fees are not proportioned based on months of operation.  For participating county fee information visit the department’s website.
     
  • Reflectorized License Plate Fee (CVC Section 4850 (c)):  This fee is only assessed when new IRP plates are issued and is; therefore, not assessed on IRP renewal transactions.
     
  • IRP Application Fee (CVC Section 9250.15): This fee is assessed on  original , supplement , and renewal applications. The fee is not mileage apportioned and is not proportioned based on the number of months of registration.
     
  • IRP Credential Fee (CVC Section 9259): This fee is required for each vehicle listed on an original, renewal and supplemental application in which indicia is issued. This fee is not mileage apportioned and is not proportioned based on the number of months of registration.
     
  • Weight Decal Fee (CVC 9400.1 (f) (1 & 2)):  A weight decal and year sticker will be placed on each commercial vehicle subject to weight fees pursuant to the CVRA. Each vehicle will be issued the weight decals/stickers upon registration or a change in the declared weight is reported.

5.040 – CALIFORNIA UNLADEN/GROSS/COMBINED GROSS WEIGHT FEE

Use the California Fee Schedule located on the department’s website to find the appropriate weight fee. Page 1 of the fee schedule shows the unladen weight ranges and fees for two axle and three or more axle vehicles.  Page 2 of the fee schedule shows the Gross and Combined Gross weight ranges and fees.

To find the weight fee for an original IRP registration application, locate the vehicle’s weight range on fee schedule.  The amount shown in the column immediately to the right of the weight range is the weight fee.

To find the weight fee for an add vehicle application, identify the numbered month in the registration period in which the vehicle is being added.  Find the vehicle’s weight range on the fee schedule.  Scroll across until you reach the month column on the fee schedule that matches the month the vehicle is being added.

5.045 – CALIFORNIA VEHICLE WEIGHT INCREASE/DECREASE APPLICATIONS

Applications to increase or decrease California qualified weights for fleet vehicles must be accompanied by the apportioned amount of fees due based on the difference between the old and new weights, the apportioned amount of fees due for vehicle for each foreign jurisdiction the weights being increased, cab card fee for each vehicle, application fee, and weight decal fee if applicable.  
    
In instances where the increase in weight is from the unladen weight category to the gross weight category and the unladen weight fee is higher and was paid first, the gross weight fee will not be refunded or subsequently credited at the higher rate if the vehicle is used for replacement credit.

Please refer to the department’s website for the current California fees and to the affected jurisdiction’s website to obtain fee and instructions on calculating the apportioned weight fee amount.

5.050 – CALIFORNIA CONVERSION CREDITS

Vehicles that are added to fleets during the period for which they are currently registered under California full annual or partial year registration will be granted conversion credits for the months remaining in the paid registration period.

California fees are computed and collected only for those months between the expiration date of the previous full annual or partial year registration and the last day of the current registration year. Credit for months paid into the subsequent registration year will automatically be granted and factored into the California fee calculations printed on the renewal fleet listing. Other IRP jurisdiction fees are computed and collected from the date the vehicle(s) is added to the fleet.

Months in which the full 100% California fees have already been paid will not be adjusted, credited, or refunded based on the mileage percentage of the fleet on which the vehicle is being added.

5.055 – CALIFORNIA WEIGHT FEE REPLACEMENT CREDITS (PLAN SECTIONS 440, 700; CVC SECTION 9408)

California allows the unused full month weight fees (excluding the CVRA fee) for a vehicle deleted from a fleet to be credited to a vehicle concurrently added to the same fleet. Unladen weight fee or GVW/CGW credit is subject to the following requirements/conditions:

  • The CVRA Fee is not creditable to a replacement vehicle. Wherever credit of GVW/CGW fees is mentioned in the remainder of this handbook, the fact that the CVRA Fee portion of the weight fee is not creditable is assumed.
     
  • Vehicle must be deleted and added concurrently to the same fleet.
     
  • The maximum credit that may be given to a replacement vehicle is the amount of the weight fee, prorated from the month following the month of withdrawal. The added vehicle is always assessed weight fee for the month the vehicle is added.
     
  • Payment of the required fee for issuance of new registration.
     
  • Gross Vehicle Weight fees can be credited to a vehicle subject to unladen weight fees and unladen weight fees may be credited to a vehicle subject to gross vehicle weight fees subject to all other conditions stated in this section.
     
  • The vehicle being deleted must be “withdrawn from service” in the IRP fleet for the remainder of the fleet’s registration year.
     
  • The vehicle being deleted must be reported on the same supplement application (Schedule C) as the vehicle being added to which the credit will be applied (concurrent addition/deletion).
     
  • The license plates, license plate sticker, and cab card for the withdrawn vehicle must be surrendered to the Department with the application for concurrent vehicle addition/deletion.  If plates and/or cab cards were not surrendered, a Statement of Facts must be submitted indicating reason for non-surrender of indicia.
     
  • The unused/excess portion of any weight fee that is credited to another vehicle is not refundable.  Unused fee credits are forfeited.  For instance, if an unladen weight or gross vehicle weight fee is credited from a vehicle with a higher unladen or gross vehicle weight value to a vehicle with a lower unladen or gross vehicle weight fee value resulting in a non – credited weight fee difference, that difference is not refundable.
     
  • Vehicles that were converted to IRP from California intrastate registration may not be used as credit toward another fleet vehicle during the period of time that the intrastate registration is still valid.
     
  • A vehicle weight credit cannot be used twice in the same registration year. If a vehicle converts from full year registration to IRP and is then deleted in the same registration year, the California weight credit cannot be used again.
     
  • IRP registrants with multiple fleets under the same business entity may only receive weight replacement credits on vehicles that are newly acquired through original purchase or lease. Replacement credits will not be allowed when transferring existing fleet vehicles between multiple fleets of the same registrant.

5.060 – FOREIGN IRP JURISDICTION FEE SCHEDULES

Foreign IRP jurisdiction fee schedules and other information can be obtained by visiting the individual jurisdiction website or from the IRP Inc. website at: http://www.irponline.org.

5.065 – FOREIGN JURISDICTION VEHICLE WEIGHT INCREASE APPLICATIONS

When requesting an increase in the vehicle weight for any foreign jurisdiction, the applicant must calculate the additional apportioned fee amount required for the jurisdiction(s).  If the California weight is not changing, the credential and application fee shall be added to application. Once the weight increase application is received by the IRP Operations Section the calculated fees will be reviewed. If additional fees are due it will be reported to the applicant on a billing invoice.  Any additional fees due must be paid within 20 days of the date of the invoice to avoid penalties.

5.070 – FOREIGN IRP JURISDICTION REPLACEMENT CREDIT

Many of the IRP Member Jurisdictions give full or partial replacement credit for a vehicle deleted from the fleet to a vehicle added to the fleet.

In order to receive replacement credit California requires, in every case, that the deleted and added vehicles be reported concurrently on the same supplement and credentials for the deleted vehicle must be surrendered with the application.

Credit and refund policies are established through individual jurisdiction statutes. Current credit refund information for member jurisdictions may be found on the IRP Inc. website at: http://www.irponline.org.

5.075 – CALIFORNIA VEHICLE LICENSE FEE (VLF)

VLF is determined based on the cost or purchase price and purchase date indicated on the certificate of cost, bill of sale, or titling document submitted with the application.

Depreciation Schedule— In accordance with RTC §10753.2(c) the market value of a vehicle for each registration year of its life, starting with the first year as a new vehicle or first classification year for VLF purposes, will have an eleven year depreciation schedule.

To compute the VLF follow the instructions provided on page 3 of the California Fee Schedule located on the department’s website.

5.080 – PENALTIES:  NEW CARRIER, NEW FLEET OR SUPPLEMENT APPLICATIONS (CVC SECTION 9553.5)

Penalties are due whenever fees have not been paid in full for an application for registration of an apportioned vehicle.  The registrant shall have 20 days from date of notice by the department to pay the balance of the fees.  If the balance due is not paid within the 20 days, the application is subject to penalties.

5.085 – REPLACEMENT INDICIA

A fee may be assessed for replacement indicia i.e. cab card, license plate(s) stickers, etc.

5.090 – REFUNDS (CVC SECTION 42231)

The department issues refunds of California fees paid only if the fees were paid in error or if excess fees were paid.  An Application for Refund (ADM 399) must be completed and mailed to the IRP Operations Section in Sacramento.

California does not refund fees paid to other IRP jurisdictions. Carriers must apply directly to and satisfy each jurisdiction’s requirement(s) for refund of fees.

5.095 – COLORADO LOW MILEAGE FEE REDUCTION

The State of Colorado assesses a lower rate of registration fees to power units that are operated nationally 10,000 miles or less annually. In order to qualify for assessment at the lower rate you must have a full 12 consecutive months of mileage records as substantiated by Individual Vehicle Mileage Records (IVMR) for the qualifying vehicle.

For more detailed information regarding the low mileage fee reduction contact the State of Colorado.

5.100 – COLORADO RENTAL/LEASEING COMPANIES

If a rental/leasing company rents a vehicle for a period less than 45 days and never travels in Colorado during the registration term, the vehicle is not charged apportioned Colorado Ownership Tax.  For vehicle rentals of 45 days or longer, registration fees and ownership tax will be collected in accordance with Colorado’s fee chart.

A Colorado Rental/Leasing Data Form (MC 143 I) must be completed and returned with your IRP application if you have rental vehicles that rents for a period of less than 45 days and never travel in Colorado during the registration term.   

If vehicles are rented in the State of Colorado for a period of less than 45 days during the registration year, the owner will be charged 2% of the amount of the rental payment of Colorado Ownership Tax payable to the Colorado County where the rental took place (Colorado Ownership Tax is only charged on these specific vehicle if they are rented in Colorado.)  It is the owner’s responsibility to report and pay the 2% of the amount of the rental payment to Colorado.  

5.105 – ARIZONA REDUCED RATE FEES

Arizona grants a fee discount to vehicles which meet very specific operational criteria as follows:

One Way Hauling: At least 45% of the mileage during the registration year is traveled without a load.

Route Truck: The vehicle weighs more than 26,000 lbs. and begins and ends a trip at the same point without adding to the load.  At the midway point, the load is less than 45% of full capacity of the vehicle.

Agricultural Products: The vehicle is used only for transporting agricultural products, such as crops, machinery, supplies, or livestock used or produced in farming operations. The products, crops, or livestock must be unmanufactured or unprocessed.

In order to qualify for this individual vehicle discount, an Arizona Motor Carrier Reduced Rate Certificate must be completed and submitted with the IRP application.  The vehicle qualification for this reduced rate continues from year to year until the vehicle is deleted from the fleet or the carrier requests removal of the reduced rate qualification due to a change of operation.

5.110 – UTAH REDUCED RATE FEES

The State of Utah allows a reduced rate of Utah commercial vehicle fees for power vehicles used exclusively for the following purposes:

  1. Pump Cement
  2. Bore Wells
  3. Perform Crane Services (with a lift capacity of at least 5 tons).

California will assess Utah fees at the reduced rate to qualifying vehicles when the Utah Reduced Fee Certification Form is submitted with renewal, original, or supplemental applications.

For each vehicle that qualifies for the reduced fee rate, list the equipment number, year model, make, and the last 6 digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).  In the column headed “Qualified Vehicle Usage”, at the right of the form, indicates your use by placing an “x” under the applicable qualifying code (P = Pump Cement; B = Bore Wells; C = Perform Crane Services).

California will not be responsible for fee adjustments resulting from the applicant’s failure to complete and submit the reduced fee rate qualification form.