special plate; centennial; fleet discount

Lower centennial plate fees for Arizona fleets

Arizona issues centennial special plates, normally costing $25 for an original plate or renewal. Commercial vehicles in fleets defined by Arizona law and registered under Article 6 pay $20, saving $5 per transaction. The fleet fee includes $8 for administration and a $12 annual donation; the regular fee splits into $8 and $17. Administration fees go to the state highway fund, while donations go to the Arizona centennial special plate fund. The highway fund provides $32,000 for startup costs, repaid from the special plate fund’s first $32,000. The special plate fund provides annual support to the University of Arizona for its Mining, Mineral and Natural Resources Educational Museum’s maintenance and operations. Fund money remains available without further appropriations, and no more than 10% of annual deposits can cover fund administration. The transportation director can direct investment of fund money through the state treasurer, with earnings staying in the fund. The Office of Tourism designs the plates, subject to transportation department approval of the design and colors. The transportation director can allow personalized versions, using the required request form and charging personalized plate fees on top.