PA RUC payment

[Druidspirit]

Trying to decide what to do. I got our RUC bill for our Mach E, which still has a year left on its registration. I've already paid the RUC for our R1. However, as soon as the R2 comes out I plan on trading our Mach E in for the R2. What is the likelihood PA will make us pay a second time this year for the R2? I don't mind paying it right now if it transfers with the registration but really don't want to pay $250 now and then another $250 in a few months. I already think it's a little excessive since we only put around 5k miles per year on each car.

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[KBabione]

No idea - @Zoidz might be able to help. He usually has a lot of PA-centric knowledge. I really thought that fee was being charged only when you renewed your registration. We bought our R1S in '23 and when I renewed in '24 I did so for two years. I guess I'm looking at a $596 renewal when I up for two years again this August. Plus the R2 whenever it arrives.

 

[SEPA R1T]

Trying to decide what to do. I got our RUC bill for our Mach E, which still has a year left on its registration. I've already paid the RUC for our R1. However, as soon as the R2 comes out I plan on trading our Mach E in for the R2. What is the likelihood PA will make us pay a second time this year for the R2? I don't mind paying it right now if it transfers with the registration but really don't want to pay $250 now and then another $250 in a few months. I already think it's a little excessive since we only put around 5k miles per year on each car.

I'm in the same boat but with my R1T. Current registration expires June 30th and the RUC, if I'm reading it correctly, is due within 30 days of registration issuance. I'm hoping I have some insight on R2 timing before I have to renew!

 

[RivianRiverRat]

YMMV
In AL and TN the fee is prorated on time in use
Example - I got my R1T in late December so fee was paid for Nov and Dec and the following year
Fee based on when order was filled in Nov not delivery date
Later I moved to Tn mid year and was only charged a partial fee
Check with your local tax assessor is best advice

 

[Matt D.]

If I read the RUC invoice correctly, the penalty for non-payment is that you will not be able to register that VIN again in PA. There is no way to notify the DMV that you are no longer the owner. So, if you know for 100% that you won’t be renewing the registration again, you “SHOULD” be safe to not pay it. I didn’t have to pay the RUC when registering a new Rivian for the first time in February.

 

[Druidspirit]

If I read the RUC invoice correctly, the penalty for non-payment is that you will not be able to register that VIN again in PA. There is no way to notify the DMV that you are no longer the owner. So, if you know for 100% that you won’t be renewing the registration again, you “SHOULD” be safe to not pay it. I didn’t have to pay the RUC when registering a new Rivian for the first time in February.

I registered my new R1S 02/25/2026 and received the RUC bill about 2 weeks ago for it.

 

[Matt D.]

I registered my new R1S 02/25/2026 and received the RUC bill about 2 weeks ago for it.

Thanks for the info. I’ll keep an eye on the mail but haven’t received anything yet.

 

[RivianRiverRat]

YMMV
In AL and TN the fee is prorated on time in use
Example - I got my R1T in late December so fee was paid for Nov and Dec and the following year
Fee based on when order was filled in Nov not delivery date
Later I moved to Tn mid year and was only charged a partial fee
Check with your local tax assessor is best advice

And just remembered that I notified the locals in AL after the move
Showed the vehicle registered in TN and got a part refund on the taxes and fees

 

[TTedP]

I'm in the same boat but with my R1T. Current registration expires June 30th and the RUC, if I'm reading it correctly, is due within 30 days of registration issuance. I'm hoping I have some insight on R2 timing before I have to renew!

PA uses a Truck tag for the T but not the S (despite S I think being heavier). So when I traded in the T, I had to get a new plate > which inevitably triggered a new PUC notice. I was prepaid for 2years on my registration for the T and they refunded/credited me zilch. I ended up ignoring the PUC notice for the T for 2-3 months and just paid for the 2nd one.

Since this is a new thing to the state, I am not sure how robust their systems are at tracking things. If you're going from a T to a R2, I might hold out as long as possible.

 

[SEPA R1T]

PA uses a Truck tag for the T but not the S (despite S I think being heavier). So when I traded in the T, I had to get a new plate > which inevitably triggered a new PUC notice. I was prepaid for 2years on my registration for the T and they refunded/credited me zilch. I ended up ignoring the PUC notice for the T for 2-3 months and just paid for the 2nd one.

Since this is a new thing to the state, I am not sure how robust their systems are at tracking things. If you're going from a T to a R2, I might hold out as long as possible.

Not shocking the state didn't credit/pro rate you! Thanks for the info!

 

[Druidspirit]

PA uses a Truck tag for the T but not the S (despite S I think being heavier). So when I traded in the T, I had to get a new plate > which inevitably triggered a new PUC notice. I was prepaid for 2years on my registration for the T and they refunded/credited me zilch. I ended up ignoring the PUC notice for the T for 2-3 months and just paid for the 2nd one.

Since this is a new thing to the state, I am not sure how robust their systems are at tracking things. If you're going from a T to a R2, I might hold out as long as possible.

I assume I wouldn't get a new tag going from a Mach E to a R2 correct? So, my registration should just transfer along with my current license plate. For the R1 we went from a Lightning to the R1S so had to get new everything.

 

[TTedP]

Not shocking the state didn't credit/pro rate you! Thanks for the info!

No doubt. Every year that I've submitted a state tax return showing refund due, they just laughed.

I assume I wouldn't get a new tag going from a Mach E to a R2 correct? So, my registration should just transfer along with my current license plate. For the R1 we went from a Lightning to the R1S so had to get new everything.

Yeah, only if you have 'TRUCK' on your tag and go to a non truck. I always thought it was based on vehicle weight but it must just mean anything with a bed. I've seen Mavericks with Truck tags.

The problem is Rivian knew nothing about how it works. After I traded in my T, and switched insurance, I started getting all sorts of notices about threats to suspend my license, my Truck tag is invalid please return it, etc etc. Just a whole bunch of things I never had happen trading in a car anywhere else. Dont expect them to guide you.

 

[Zoidz]

No idea - @Zoidz might be able to help. He usually has a lot of PA-centric knowledge. I really thought that fee was being charged only when you renewed your registration. We bought our R1S in '23 and when I renewed in '24 I did so for two years. I guess I'm looking at a $596 renewal when I up for two years again this August. Plus the R2 whenever it arrives.

If I read the RUC invoice correctly, the penalty for non-payment is that you will not be able to register that VIN again in PA. There is no way to notify the DMV that you are no longer the owner. So, if you know for 100% that you won’t be renewing the registration again, you “SHOULD” be safe to not pay it. I didn’t have to pay the RUC when registering a new Rivian for the first time in February.

IMO It's a bit of a mess as to how this is going to work as far as payment goes. As @KBabione mentioned, I recall paying a fee WITH my registration renewal. That makes the most sense. But reading the legislation [75-9024], it appears to me that the fee will be separated from registration, sent at least 60 days in advance [75-9024(c)], and must be paid up when you renew your registration, or they will refuse registration renewal. I guess it helps them with enforcement, but to me it adds unecessary bureaucrazy (sic) and double the collection costs.

It does say that if it is not paid, they will not renew your registration. I would assume that could be fixed at anytime by paying the fee and re-applying for registration.

It also does not discuss any prorated refunds for selling the vehicle, or vehicle being totaled, etc. HOWEVER, I think there is a sort of backdoor provision for this. It allows you to pay MONTHLY starting July 2026 via credit card. Pennsylvania Government typically does not offer a discount for annual vs monthly and the legislation implies the fee is annual/12. So, it might make sense to pay monthly (if you can use a virtual card # even better) and at which point you no longer have the vehicle due to sale or accident, just cancel the monthly payment. Am I right?

Here are some links to official documents:
PENNDOT FAQ
Legislation - PA TItle 75 9024

And a couple of interesting notes:
9024-(c.1)(2) - The fee increase is annually tied to the CPI.
9024-(e) - Vehicle registration is not valid unless you are enrolled in a payment plan

Section e states that if you do not pay, your registration is not valid. Therefore, in appears you could get pulled over and fined for invalid registration if you try to game the system per @Matt D. comment?

 

[KBabione]

Here are some links to official documents:
PENNDOT FAQ
Legislation - PA TItle 75 9024

And a couple of interesting notes:
9024-(c.1)(2) - The fee increase is annually tied to the CPI.
9024-(e) - Vehicle registration is not valid unless you are enrolled in a payment plan

@Zoidz to the rescue - Thank you!

Going monthly probably makes the most sense if you're not sure you'll keep the Rivian for the period of the registration, but it does carry the risk of them increasing the RUC (the 2027 rates don't seem to be set yet) and then you'd pay more in the end. Like everything else in life it's the risk vs reward determination for your situation.

Edit: Just reread the RUC page and it shows how the future rates will be determined:

 

[Matt D.]

IMO It's a bit of a mess as to how this is going to work as far as payment goes. As @KBabione mentioned, I recall paying a fee WITH my registration renewal. That makes the most sense. But reading the legislation [75-9024], it appears to me that the fee will be separated from registration, sent at least 60 days in advance [75-9024(c)], and must be paid up when you renew your registration, or they will refuse registration renewal. I guess it helps them with enforcement, but to me it adds unecessary bureaucrazy (sic) and double the collection costs.

It does say that if it is not paid, they will not renew your registration. I would assume that could be fixed at anytime by paying the fee and re-applying for registration.

It also does not discuss any prorated refunds for selling the vehicle, or vehicle being totaled, etc. HOWEVER, I think there is a sort of backdoor provision for this. It allows you to pay MONTHLY starting July 2026 via credit card. Pennsylvania Government typically does not offer a discount for annual vs monthly and the legislation implies the fee is annual/12. So, it might make sense to pay monthly (if you can use a virtual card # even better) and at which point you no longer have the vehicle due to sale or accident, just cancel the monthly payment. Am I right?

Here are some links to official documents:
PENNDOT FAQ
Legislation - PA TItle 75 9024

And a couple of interesting notes:
9024-(c.1)(2) - The fee increase is annually tied to the CPI.
9024-(e) - Vehicle registration is not valid unless you are enrolled in a payment plan

Section e states that if you do not pay, your registration is not valid. Therefore, in appears you could get pulled over and fined for invalid registration if you try to game the system per @Matt D. comment?

Agree with you. You’d be rolling the dice if you don’t get rid of your vehicle before the registration expires. You’d be good if you got the RUC notice 2 months in advance but got rid of the vehicle before it was “due”.

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