Wheel Tax Update for City Residents
Understanding the Impact of Wheel Tax for City of Ripon Residents
On December 10, 2024, the Common Council enacted the Municipal Vehicle Registration Fee Ordinance in the City of Ripon establishing a Vehicle Registration Fee, commonly referred to as a Wheel Tax, on vehicles customarily kept in the city.
Refer to the information below for details on the wheel tax, including which vehicles are affected, the collection process, and how the funds will be allocated to enhance the local transportation infrastructure.
- What is the annual registration fee? $25.00 per eligible vehicle
- When does this ordinance go into effect? Registrations occurring after April 1, 2025.
- Which vehicles are subject to the Wheel Tax?
TYPES OF VEHICLES (under 8,000 lbs. that are registered in the municipality or county enacting the tax)
- Most automobiles
- Vans
- SUVs
- Light trucks
EXEMPT VEHICLES (over 8,000 lbs.)
- Buses
- Motorcycles
- Mopeds
- Motor homes
- Trailers
- Trucks
- Certain special plate vehicles like antique cars, farm trucks, and vehicles owned by the state or municipalities.
- How is the Wheel Tax determined for my vehicle?
The wheel tax applies to vehicles “customarily kept” in the City of Ripon. The address provided during vehicle registration determines this, and errors can result in incorrect fee assessments. If you receive a notice with an incorrect fee, please contact the DMV:
- Website: wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/vehicles/title-plates/wheeltax.aspx
- Email: vehiclequestions@dot.wi.gov
- Telephone: (608) 264-7447
- Fee Collection and Timing
- When Charged: The fee is collected at the time of first registration and during registration renewals. The fee is part of the total renewal amount and applies from the first day of the month when it becomes effective.
- Payment Process: Vehicle owners receive a renewal notice from the WisDOT DMV, which includes the wheel tax. The fee is collected by the DMV on behalf of the city.
- Purpose and Use of Revenue
The purpose of the Motor Vehicle Registration Fee is to provide the City of Ripon with a source of revenue to be used to fund repair, reconstruction, and resurfacing of roads in lieu of road project special assessments. A Capital Improvement Plan will be created to fund road projects in residential neighborhoods. The first project would be scheduled for the construction season of 2026.