Snowdog Registration for 2025 in Utah

[dubob]

Okay boys & girls, here we go again.  The Utah Legislature passed a bill in the 2024 session that takes effect on Jan1, 2025.  The bill (H.B. 441, - REGISTRATION OF NOVEL VEHICLES) amends Title 41, Motor Vehicles, in relation to novel vehicles.  The DMV/TAX COMMISSION has determined that Snowdogs SHALL be registered as a NOVEL VEHICLE.  The definition of a NOVEL VEHICLE is this:

41-27-101.  Definitions.
(3), "Novel vehicle" means a vehicle:
     (a), that is not expressly exempt from registration; and
     (b)
          (i), that does not fit within a vehicle category;
          (ii), with unique characteristics that make it unclear whether the vehicle fits within a vehicle category; or
          (iii), that a reasonable person would not consider the vehicle to be clearly included in an existing vehicle category.

I talked to the DMV on the phone and the agent I spoke with was aware of the new NOVEL VEHICLE classification for snowdogs.  The agent also said that the registration fees will be similar to those assessed for snowmobiles.  My dog is a 2020 model and the fees run somewhere in the neighborhood of $60 to $70.

[Kent]

That was certainly a short-lived reprieve for you Snowdog owners.

[downed_Phly]

I don’t know if I’m reading the state code right, but if you DO have to register as a “novel vehicle” doesn’t it say it’ll only be a couple of bucks?

(5). A person registering a novel vehicle shall pay: (a). in accordance with Section 59-2-405, an annual $1 fee in lieu of property tax; and (b). an annual $1 registration fee, to be deposited into the Transportation Fund

[dubob]

I don’t know if I’m reading the state code right, but if you DO have to register as a “novel vehicle” doesn’t it say it’ll only be a couple of bucks?

(5). A person registering a novel vehicle shall pay: (a). in accordance with Section 59-2-405, an annual $1 fee in lieu of property tax; and (b). an annual $1 registration fee, to be deposited into the Transportation Fund

Those fees are IN ADDITION to state and county fees which is around $60 - give or take.  The state fees are aged based and will decrease over time.  The state fee for my 2020 commercially built dog is $28.50.  The Weber County fee is $30.  Your county fee may be different.  I have no clue how the state will assess the value of your home built snowdog and set a fee.  Good luck with that.

[Tooeledude]

Hey All, I sent an email to the General question section at (https://dmv.utah.gov/contact) today requesting information about registering my snow dogs and below is the response I received back today, they did not say anything about county fees so I'm not sure if they will be applied or not at the county level.

Good Afternoon! 
As of right now, Snowdogs are not required to be registered.  However, on January 1st 2025, they will be required to be registered as a Novel vehicle.  When you do register , the total cost will be approximately $14.50. That includes title, registration and snowmobile stickers.  If it was recently purchased, or if sales tax was not paid, sales tax on the purchase price would also be due. 

Have a great day! 

Division of Motor Vehicles
Utah State Tax Commission
1-801-297-7780 or toll free:

1-800-368-8824 (M-F 8am-5pm)
 
Mission: Promote Tax and Motor Vehicle Law Compliance

[dubob]

Hey All, I sent an email to the General question section at (https://dmv.utah.gov/contact) today requesting information about registering my snow dogs and below is the response I received back today, they did not say anything about county fees so I'm not sure if they will be applied or not at the county level.

Good Afternoon! 
As of right now, Snowdogs are not required to be registered.  However, on January 1st 2025, they will be required to be registered as a Novel vehicle.  When you do register , the total cost will be approximately $14.50. That includes title, registration and snowmobile stickers.  If it was recently purchased, or if sales tax was not paid, sales tax on the purchase price would also be due. 

Have a great day! 

Division of Motor Vehicles
Utah State Tax Commission
1-801-297-7780 or toll free:

1-800-368-8824 (M-F 8am-5pm)
 
Mission: Promote Tax and Motor Vehicle Law Compliance

My phone conversation with a live agent got a different response.  The agent told me that there would be a county fee.  I guess we'll find out when we register them in Jan 2025.  

[BertDawg]

I will not comply

[dubob]

I will not comply

Go for it.  

41-1a-1303.5 Driving without registration or certificate of title -- Class C misdemeanor. (1) (a) A violation of Subsection 41-1a-202(3), related to registration of vehicles after establishing residency, is a class C misdemeanor and, except as provided in Subsection (1)(b), has a minimum fine of $1,000.

[BertDawg]

41-1a-1303.5 is for driving a "Vehicle" on the highway.

[dubob]

41-1a-1303.5 is for driving a "Vehicle" on the highway.

No, it is not.  Utah Code 41-1a-1303 establishes an unregistered vehicle may not be driven or moved on a highway and establishes an exception provided in Utah Code 41-1a-1303.5.  Utah Code 41-1a-1303.5 points to the requirements of 41-1a-202(3) which establishes 'Vehicles exempt from registration -- Registration of vehicles after establishing residency' which requires you to register any motor vehicle, combination of vehicles, trailer, semitrailer, vintage vehicle, or restored-modified vehicle within 60 days of you establishing residency in this state.  If you were born here and have never claimed residency in any other state, then registration must occur 'immediately' upon you claiming ownership of said vehicle.

But hey, you've already stated you will not comply.  So, go for it.  My gut feeling about all of this is this; it's going to take a year or so for the consolidation of DNR law enforcement to get every LEO on the same page with what is going to be required regarding legally correct registration of snowdogs.  I'll be registering mine as a 'Novelty' vehicle sometime in January.