FEES TO REGISTER CAR MAY DOUBLE NEXT YEAR.

Byline: Evan Pondel Staff Writer

NORTH HILLS - California drivers could see registration fees more than double in 2003, prompting local legislators to register their objections.

Gov. Gray Davis' proposed budget for the 2002-03 fiscal year calls for an end to the vehicle registration fee rebate, which would bump the average annual payment to $148 from $64. The impetus: a $24 billion shortfall in revenue, according to Hilary McLean, a spokeswoman for the governor.

Assemblymen Tony Strickland, R-Camarillo, and George Runner, R- Lancaster, vehemently oppose increasing registration fees, saying it would imposes an unfair burden on those who depend on their cars for work. ``Davis has declared war on these motorists of California,'' said Strickland, surrounded by an audience of new cars at Galpin Ford in North Hills. ``And it's not a good time for an increase in this tax.''

For Carlos Estrada, 30, there's never an opportune moment for an increase in taxes unless he knows where the money is going. Estrada, who drove his Mustang to Galpin from Temple City for service, said taxes are necessary, but that vague general increases do not necessarily benefit schools and services related to the fees.

``I wouldn't have a problem with an increase in car registration fees if the government said they would now be able to employ more people at the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles),'' Estrada said. ``Having another person work one of those lines at the DMV would be a huge help.''

Along with an $84 increase in car registration fees, Davis has proposed boosting the cigarette tax by 50 cents per pack. McLean said these two taxes, coupled with spending reductions across the board, are efficient ways to fill the budget gap.

However, Strickland said if the cigarette tax deters people from purchasing cigarettes, the tax will not come close to generating enough revenue.