#MiddleburyCT #OutOfStatePlates
By MARJORIE NEEDHAM
Middlebury residents who moved here from out of state are reminded they have 90 days to register their vehicles in Connecticut. After that, driving with out of state plates violates state law. That means the state could fine them $250. In addition, a February 2022 town ordinance states the Town of Middlebury could fine them $250.
During the month of September, all residents driving improperly registered vehicles are encouraged to get their vehicles registered in Connecticut. Those who would like to report vehicles they believe are improperly registered can go to the Tax Evasion Form at forms.gle/vSe8zkBGFpXqCvkTA to anonymously fill out the form.
Please note some residents are legally driving vehicles with out of state plates. For example, a resident who spends more than 183 days of the year living out of state can register their vehicle in the other state.
The Board of Selectmen discussed the issue of residents failing to register vehicles in Connecticut at their August 9, 2023, meeting. First Selectman Ed St. John presented a proposal from Savoy Investigations in Naugatuck, a firm that can be hired to track down vehicles that aren’t properly registered and unregistered personal property. They state their efforts over the past five years have added more than $15 million in taxable assets to grand lists. Each resident vehicle bearing out of state plates represents lost tax revenue to the town.
St. John said Selectmen Elaine Strobel and J. Paul Vance had told him they were hesitant about bringing in an outside agency, concerned that residents might be “strong-armed.” Strobel shared how a friend of hers got strong-armed by an agency. The friend, a Middlebury resident, spent several nights at a friend’s home in another town following a medical procedure. A collection agency started pursuing Strobel’s friend to collect taxes for the community where they were parking overnight. It took over six months to get it straightened out, and attorneys had to help.
With input from Middlebury Tax Assessor Chris Kelsey, the selectmen decided to encourage residents to get their vehicles properly registered during the month of September. Back in 2019, the town did this and 11 vehicles were registered.
Kelsey said he estimates 100 vehicles in town aren’t properly registered. At an average motor vehicle tax of $470, getting another hundred vehicles on the tax rolls would bring in an additional $47,000 or more in tax revenue.
The Middlebury Police Department will work with the assessor’s office in this effort. Per the ordinance, officers will first issue a written warning to those determined to be in violation. That warning may be followed by a citation if circumstances warrant.
