Alternative Fuel Vehicle Information

The following is the result of changes to Arizona law effective December 14, 2000.

Registration – Permanent registration for alternative fuel vehicles (AFV) with a declared gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 12,000 lbs or less has been eliminated. AFV owners that were previously issued permanent registration were converted to an annual registration period.

Vehicle License Tax (VLT) – The VLT for an AFV is changed to a rate of $4.00 per $100 of assessed valuation, which is determined by the following:

1. For the first year, the assessed value is 1% of the factory list price (FLP) of the AFV.
2. For subsequent years, the assessed value is depreciated 15% each year.
3. The minimum VLT for an AFV registration is $5.00.

Fees – In addition, an AFV is subject to: $8.00 vehicle registration fee, $8.00 one-time special plate or sticker fee, 25¢ Air Quality Compliance Fee (if in an emissions test area) and a $1.50 Air Quality Fee.

Special Plate – The special plate or sticker authorizes the vehicle to use the HOV freeway lanes at any time regardless of the number of passengers. Click here for detail information regarding the AFV special plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Does the new law keep the permanent registration and exemption from vehicle license tax?

No. You will have to pay the lower vehicle license tax that applies to AFVs and renew your registration on an annual or two year basis.

2) The new law removed the provision for permanent AFV registration. Does this mean that my registration is changed from permanent registration to an annual? Will I receive a refund and/or credit for fees paid to purchase the permanent registration?

Yes, to both. The fees paid will be applied to the annual registration, prorated for the amount of time already used.

3) Do I have to display the AFV plates?

Yes, if your car can be driven on one of the qualifying alternative fuels.

No, if you remove or disable the alternative fuel tank such that the system is not functional. You will be required to pay full registration fees. You may be subject to some recapture of the tax credits depending on when you remove or disable the alternative fuel tank.

4) Can I still drive in the HOV lanes?

Yes, as long as you have a current AFV special plate.  

5) Does my AFV need to be emissions tested?

Yes, if you live in or commute for work or school to Area A (Maricopa County and some areas of Yavapai and Pinal Counties) and Area B (Pima County). If you own a bi-fuel vehicle, emissions testing must be conducted on both types of fuel.

New original equipment manufactured AFVs (current year models and 2 previous model years) have the option of paying an Emissions Exempt fee with the vehicle registration, instead of being tested. That fee goes to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) for the state Air Quality Fund.

Other AFVs do not have the option and must be tested. Hydrogen, solar and electric powered vehicles are exempt from all emission testing requirements.

For more information on AFV exemptions, visit the ADEQ website, or if you have technical questions regarding AFV emissions testing, contact the Vehicle Emissions Inspections section of ADEQ in Phoenix at 602-207-7005 or in Tucson at 520-628-5630.

6) What should I do if I own a bi-fuel AFV and no longer want to use the alternative fuel? Can I just get a regular plate?

Yes. You (owner or lessee) must go to an MVD office and complete an “Alternative Fuel Withdrawal” form, surrender the AFV plate and pay full registration fees. You must remove or disable the alternative fuel tank such that the system is not functional. You may be subject to some recapture of the tax credits depending on when you remove or disable the alternative fuel tank. 

7) What type of license plates are eligible for use on an AFV?

An AFV may only display the following plate types: AFV plates, personalized AFV plates, Farm plate, Disability, Personalized Disability, Apportioned plate (IRP) or honored military plates (Congressional Medal of Honor, Former Prisoner of War, Purple Heart, Purple Heart Personalized, Pearl Harbor Survivor). No other plate may be displayed. 

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