Tax On Out-Of-State License Plates Approved By County Supervisors

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — A new fine targeting residents who do not register their vehicles or use Virginia license plates was approved by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors on Tuesday. The new ordinance was approved with a 7-1 vote.

The ordinance will charge $100 annually for a resident who does not have Virginia license plates on their vehicle. It also allows the county to fine a resident $250 for failing to register their vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency.

The fines are the maximum amounts allowed under Virginia law, according to the county executive's report on the ordinance. No residents spoke for or against the law during the public comment section of Tuesday's meeting.

"The Department of Finance, Division of Tax Administration, receives over 100 citizen complaints annually regarding vehicles being garaged, stored, or parked in Prince William County with out-of-state plates," the county executive's office said in their report.

By that math, the new ordinance could produce more than $10,000 in tax revenue on an annual basis. The tax revenue would go towards the county's general fund. The revenue would also support Prince William County's Tax Evader program that was approved for the 2022 fiscal year.

Very few comments about the ordinance were discussed at Tuesday's Board of County Supervisors meeting. Supervisor Victor Angry, who represents the Neabsco District, was the only supervisor to speak for or against the law.

"This is long overdue," Supervisor Angry said. "We all have to play by the rules, and we have a lot of people that have been breaking the rules. This is a good step in the right direction."

Supervisor Franklin, who represents the Woodbridge district, was the only dissenting vote. The ordinance passed 7 to 1.

The board was also scheduled to discuss a proposed cigarette tax at Tuesday's meeting, though the proposal was withdrawn and rescheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 3 at 2 p.m. The proposed ordinance would levy a tax of $0.02 per cigarette or $0.40 per pack on those who use or sell cigarettes in the county. The item was withdrawn "at the request of staff," according to the agenda item.