While state officials spent the week unveiling new license plates, public outrage continued as New Yorkers learned more about the new DMV fee hikes passed into law by Assemblywoman Susan John (D-Rochester).

Taxpayers now must pay 25 percent more to obtain a driver’s license — an increase for Class D driver’s licenses from $50 to $64.50. Registration fees for an automobile weighing 3500 lbs climbed from $45 to $56.

Starting April 1, 2010 New Yorkers will be required to get new license plates, which will cost $25. If a resident wishes to keep their current plate number they will need to pay the state an additional $20.

Assemblywoman John voted to raise all these fees in state budget bill A.159-B. The entire Assembly Republican Conference voted against the DMV fee hikes.

“New Yorkers are fed up, disgusted and just plain mad about the state continuing to raise taxes and fees on working families. People have a reason to be angry given that Assemblywoman John put the greedy special interests ahead of her constituents by voting to hike DMV fees for driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations and license plate renewals. Assembly Republicans will continue to fight this law and to return taxpayer monies back where they belong — into the pocketbooks and wallets of working families,” said Kathleen Hennessey, Spokeswoman for the New York Republican Assembly Campaign Committee (RACC).