There are a few reasons why vehicle registration can be expensive in California:
High registration fees: California has some of the highest vehicle registration fees in the country. The fees are based on the value of the vehicle and can range from $25 to $400 or more.
Smog checks: California requires smog checks for most vehicles, which can add to the cost of registration. The fees for smog checks vary by location and can be up to $50.
State taxes: California charges a sales tax on vehicles, which can add to the overall cost of registration. The sales tax rate in California is currently 7.25%, but it can be higher in some areas.
Road maintenance: California has a large network of roads and highways that require constant maintenance and repair. The fees collected from vehicle registration help fund these projects.
Vehicle weight fees: California also charges vehicle weight fees for commercial vehicles and some larger personal vehicles. These fees are based on the weight of the vehicle and can be quite high.
Overall, the cost of vehicle registration in California can be expensive due to a combination of factors, including high registration fees, smog checks, state taxes, road maintenance, and vehicle weight fees