Owners of vehicles with Jalisco plates will be required to replace their license plates in 2025, following a recent decision by the state legislature.
Despite opposition claims that the license plate change is a veiled tax increase, legislators have approved the measure. To ease the process, they introduced a “3-in-1” fee, combining three vehicle-related administrative costs into a single charge of 900 pesos. The fee will cover:
- Annual vehicle registration (refrendo)
- Emissions inspection
- License plate replacement
The “3-in-1” fee is part of Jalisco’s 2025 State Budget (Ley de Ingresos), though it was voted on separately. The overall budget passed easily, with only three opposing votes, but the fee package faced more resistance, narrowly passing 21-17.
Governor Pablo Lemus of the Citizens Movement (MC) had proposed eliminating fines for emissions inspection noncompliance and traffic patrols related to emissions checks. However, this provision was not included in the final legislation.
With only 11 members in the 38-seat chamber, the MC relied on support from other parties to pass the measure. Legislators from the National Action Party (PAN) and Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) joined the MC in approving the fee, while the Morena Party and its allies opposed it.
In a separate vote, legislators approved the refinancing of Jalisco’s debt, which currently stands at $1.38 billion USD. This measure passed with 26 votes in favor and 12 against.
The introduction of the “3-in-1” fee aims to simplify administrative processes for vehicle owners in Jalisco, though it has sparked debate over its financial implications for residents and the state government.