I just talked to a friend of mine that bought a new truck, and he got an extra little surprise when he went and purchased his tag...I had to call the tag office and verify it because I wasn't sure that I heard him right.

Evidently, they are now charging an extra tax on wheels larger than 17.5" in diameter. $2.50 per wheel up to 19.5 inches and $3.50 per wheel over 19.5 inches.

The lady on the phone said that this started around July or so.

What I want to know is a) what does this have to do with the registration of my vehicle with the state b) why does it matter and c) what possible justification did they come up with to charge more for larger diameter wheels/tires?

One of my vehicles came from the factory with 20" wheels, and now I have to pay a penalty because the manufacturer decided that this was the proper wheel and tire size combination for my vehicle?

It's not much money, but was there a vote on this? How does an extra "tax" like this come about?