DOT changes fees on importing vehicles

CSX Lines upgrades Hawaii operations ''''The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has proposed changing fees related to the registration of importers and importation of vehicles that aren't certified as conforming to Federal motor vehicle safety standards.
''''The fees for importer registration will increase to $345 from $290, and the annual fee would be raised to $177 from $149. Fees attributable to the maintenance of the registration program will increase by $38 to $239.
''''The increases are due to several factors, including additional time required to review new applications and annual statements, a 4 to 5-percent increase in federal salaries, and local adjustments in the past two years since the regulation was last amended.
''''Fees for the DOT to make eligibility determinations in imported vehicles will be reduced to $175 from $199. The agency said that despite inflation and increases in some costs, the DOT's reduction of processing costs associated with Federal Register notices and improved word processing techniques have offset those costs. The agency will increase fees to $800 from $721 for petitions of vehicles that are not substantially similar to vehicles manufactured for import into the United States. Imports who request an inspection of a vehicle will continue to pay $550 for those petitions.
''''The fees would take effect Oct. 1. Comments on the proposed rules are due Aug. 18. For information, contact George Entwistle, Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance, Office of Safety Assurance, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, (202) 366-5306.