Hilton proposes eliminating DMV, slashing vehicle registration fee if elected governor

Key Points:

• Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton announced plans to eliminate California's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and reduce vehicle registration fees to $73 annually, aiming to cut residents' cost of living.
• Hilton expressed confidence that the Democrat-controlled Legislature would support his proposals, emphasizing his problem-solving approach and willingness to collaborate despite political differences.
• Critics, including Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra's campaign, dismissed Hilton's optimism, highlighting his prior criticisms of Democrats and doubting legislative cooperation.
• The DMV currently operates with a $1.6 billion budget, funded largely by vehicle registration fees averaging $329 per vehicle annually, which generate $11 to $12 billion in revenue; Hilton's plan would reduce this to about $2.7 billion.
• To offset lost revenue from his proposals and tax cuts, Hilton intends to reduce the state workforce by 10% and cut agency budgets by 5%, while potentially using budgetary measures to diminish DMV operations if legislative approval is not granted.