The Maryland General Assembly raised the State vehicle registration fee 87 to 89 percent during the spring legislative session, according to the State’s 90-Day report. The fee increase takes effect July 1. The biennial registration fee for passenger cars will increase from $54 to $101, excluding surcharges. The fee for heavier vehicles such as SUVs will increase from $81 to $153. While the number of vehicles and drivers in Maryland has increased, the vehicle titling tax has not been increased since 1978. Rental vehicles—passenger vehicles, trucks, trailers (freight and non-freight) as well as tractor-trailers are exempt from the increase. House Bill 1467 will raise about $148 million in 2005 from the fee increases to fund road and transit projects. The State’s gasoline tax will also increase. As if sky-high gas prices weren’t enough!