<p>Mech: Fairfax County eliminated the personal property tax. Frankly, I thought it was all of VA, too. Most people have taken any sticker off, never replaced it, after 2006 when it ended.</p>
<p>JohnRoss: maybe look into any student discounts you can get. I know I took a Safe Driver's program and had to do a bunch of stuff, but it gets a huge discount on my insurance every year as long as I don't have an accident (of my fault). Also, good grades gets a discount.</p>
<p>The personal property tax has not been eliminated. Ask your parents. Some (and only a few) localities have eliminated decals, not the tax.</p>
<p>Last time I was in Arlington (a couple years ago), I saw someone using an infrared scanner gun to check license plates against unpaid taxes/tickets records. The car tax is a big revenue-producer in VA.</p>
<p>it's in the printed first year guide... i might still have it at my apartment, i'll have to look. i wouldn't just make this stuff up... geez</p>
<p>I think in some states, like Michigan, it's impossible to include another person (including a family member) in your policy if he/she is OOS.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I'm very curious about this. Where are OOS students required to establish residency?
[quote]
</p>
<p>I'm almost certain that California requires OOS students to establish residency for the purposes of the DMV only, doesn't get in-state tuition :(. </p>
<p>With a little more digging on the DMV website, it looks like OOS students who get a job in VA are also required to change their license. </p>
<p>
[quote]
Out-of-State Students
If you are enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited school in Virginia and not employed, you may drive in Virginia with a valid out-of-state (or another country) driver's license and valid out-of-state license plates on your vehicle. If you are a full-time student and employed, you are considered a resident of Virginia for the purposes of motor vehicle laws only. This does not necessarily qualify you for in-state tuition rates. Therefore, you must apply for a Virginia driver's license and register your vehicle in Virginia. You must register the vehicle in Virginia even if it is owned by someone else.
[quote]
</p>
<p>Commonwealth</a> of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles</p>
<p>I know mine (VA, State Farm) you have to report where the car is being stored for a majority of the year. The rate then can actually go up or down. </p>
<p>Also, BE SURE to give them the actual zip code in which you're residing in while in C'ville. C'ville seems to have multiple zipcodes, some being shadier than others. My mom just looked up a zipcode and the rate went through the roof...when I pointed out mine is different, it shot down again to about what we pay when the car is at home. I'm moving four blocks from Lambeth to 15th Street and the zipcodes are different, but still about equal. I also get a discount for being in a garage, not just a lot or street.</p>
<p>Re: last post: that may be for full-time employment. It just doesn't make sense, as I have tons of OOS state friends with jobs and they still have old plates. Don't know about licenses, but I assume so.</p>
<p>I came across following on the Parking & Transportation page of the UVa website: </p>
<p>Parking</a> & Transportation </p>
<p>First year students may not have a vehicle in the Charlottesville or Albemarle County area. (Effective Fall 2003) </p>
<p>It then goes on to list the penalties: </p>
<p>Parking</a> & Transportation </p>
<p>Citations List </p>
<ol>
<li> For operation of a motor vehicle by a student not entitled to motor vehicle privileges, the penalty is $100 and/or possible suspension from the University. </li>
</ol>
<p>So it may not be a law in Albemarle County but its a UVa rule. And maybe its not enforced but thats the rule.</p>
<p>Wouldn't it be kind of weird for students who actually live in the same county though? They can't leave their car at home?</p>
<p>They can leave it, they're just not supposed to operate it. And I'm sure this is meant only for during school, not breaks and such. This rule isn't enforced in stone, it's just trying to keep first years from using cars to get off grounds and be away from the first year experience.</p>
<p>john ross: you should check with your insurance officer. When I was registering my car, my dad asked the insurance company about a variety of options and what the best way to register it was and the insurance officer was honest about it. I can tell you for a fact that insurance in VA (even in the more congested areas of Richmond and NoVa) are much, much lower than the tristate area. If you live more towards the north, I think they are comparable. I think it may be better to register it in her name in VA but again, I would check with your insurance company. Try to find one of those nice insurance people who hate the company and would rather see you get a deal. :) just keep calling. </p>
<p>to the original question: no, you do not need to change it because you are't moving here permanently. I remember seeing this somewhere (can't remember at the moment) but you are not considered to be a Virginian if you come specifically for educational purposes. On that note, galosien, I do not believe you will be able to obtain a Virginia driver's license simply because you are not a VA resident. You will need to obtain it in your home state. Also, driver's ed isn't free in VA. Some counties pay for the classroom portion but some don't. A driver's ed class will cost about $500-600. I paid $275 for 8 one hour behind the wheel sessions and that was cheap. There's also a fee to get your driver's license and take the test; I don't remember but I do believe it was around $60 or so. </p>
<p>Commonwealth</a> of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles</p>
<p>This is the DMV website for VA. They answer some questions on here and you can always call them with you questions. (whether or not you get through is a separate story.)</p>
<p>Also, you could take a car on campus and have an upperclassmen register it as their car and then use a car that way. It is illegal but some people do it anyway. As shoebox said, having a car 1st year does detract from the experience. And by walking, you help combat the freshman 15. :) I have friends who have chosen to take cars down and who choose to keep their cars at home. The ones that choose to keep it at home feel it's more of a burden than an asset; it's not easy finding parking and you may be walking the same distance from your parking space to your desired destination. The ones that take a car like to take day trips and come home whenever. They are not an essential part of college, but if you have the money and are willing, then by all means, go ahead. Keep rising fuel prices in mind as well. Also, some students like to buy brand new luxury cars for college. Buy a crap car so you won't care that it got keyed or you hit the tree; the car can take the little bumps of life. Buy the luxury car after you graduate. In my case, I currently drive my dad's prius and I don't plan on taking a car 1st yr. 2nd year, I may get a used civic or something similar (cheap and reliable) and use that for the next few years. After I graduate, I'm getting a Lotus. :) i've been promised haha. But back on topic, cars aren't necessary. And there's a good chance that your friends will have cars and you can smooch off of them.</p>
<p>What the school really needs is an agreement with Zipcar</p>