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‘Enough is enough’: Steve Hilton’s plan for California DMV
‘Enough is enough’: Steve Hilton’s plan for California DMV
THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — In a news conference yesterday, Steve Hilton announced a plan to abolish the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
“This is step one in our plan to cut the cost of living for Californians,” Hilton said.
The proposal aims to simplify vehicle services and reduce registration costs across California. In addition to shifting routine transactions away from the state agency, the campaign plan calls for repurposing existing DMV buildings to expand educational facilities for children.
Under Hilton’s proposal, DMV services such as routine title, registration, license-plate and renewal transactions would move to county offices and certified local service centers.
Hilton also wants to replace the current vehicle-registration fee formula, which can cost hundreds of dollars, with a flat $73 fee.
The proposal has drawn mixed reactions from local drivers concerning state revenue and overall logistics. Matt Vogel, a Palm Desert resident, expressed interest in the lower cost while noting potential budget impacts.
“It certainly would make it easier in my pocket book, but I’m sure they have to consider how they’re going to make up the lost revenue,” Vogel said.
Some drivers expressed concern that closing DMV offices could add to the area’s vacant commercial buildings, while supporters argue that consolidating services could improve administrative efficiency.
This is not the first time a Republican California governor candidate has made DMV and vehicle-registration fees a campaign issue. In 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger campaigned on repealing Gov. Gray Davis’ tripling of the vehicle license fee, which had become a major issue in the recall election. After taking office, Schwarzenegger rescinded the increase.
Hilton and competitor Xavier Becerra are set to face off in a candidate debate scheduled for Sept. 30. Becerra has not yet issued a response regarding Hilton’s proposal to eliminate the DMV.
