OTA has learned that the New York governor’s office has included a proposal in the upcoming state budget that would effectively restore OSCAR (the state’s application website for highway-use registration and decal fees).
Last month, New York State’s Supreme Court ruled that the application of HUT on out-of-state carriers was unconstitutional. As a result, the New York Tax Department removed the ability for out-of-state carriers to register for HUT online since the OSCAR system cannot recognize a $0 payment. Instead, out of state carriers were being told to apply for decals by mail or courier.
OTA has been working with New York State Motor Truck Association on updating the situation. There are now plans to eliminate the $19 registration fee entirely (which was still being charged to state-based carriers online) and replace it with a $1.50 administration fee, which would be applicable to both in-state and out of state carriers. This would simply allow the fee amount to be changed on the website, re-opening the OSCAR site to everyone.
Authorities feel this would be in compliance with the court ruling while resuming normal HUT activities.
The budget, which includes this proposal, is expected to pass on April 1. OTA will inform members of the outcome.
OTA would like to extend its gratitude to the NYSMTA for its assistance on this issue.
