California Constitution Article XIX - Motor Vehicle Revenues [Sections 1 - 10]
Article XIX of the California Constitution governs how the revenues from motor vehicle-related sources (like fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees) are used. The intent is to ensure that these funds are spent on transportation-related purposes.
Here’s a structured summary of Article XIX: Motor Vehicle Revenues [Sections 1 – 10]:
🚗 California Constitution – Article XIX: Motor Vehicle Revenues
Section 1 – Use of Motor Vehicle Revenues
Revenues from taxes on fuels and vehicles must be used exclusively for:
Public street and highway purposes,
Enforcement of traffic laws,
Public mass transit (with certain restrictions).
Section 2 – Use of Vehicle Fuel Taxes
Fuel tax revenues may only be used for:
Construction, maintenance, and operation of public streets and highways,
Environmental mitigation directly related to those highways,
Research, planning, and related administrative costs.
Section 3 – Prohibition on Diversion
These funds cannot be diverted for any other purpose.
Even by the Legislature, unless the Constitution specifically allows it.
Section 4 – Bonds
Bonds can be issued for highway-related projects and repaid from motor vehicle revenues.
Only applies when funds are used consistently with Sections 1 and 2.
Section 5 – Loans Must Be Repaid
If motor vehicle revenues are loaned to the General Fund, they must be repaid in full, with interest, within 3 years.
Section 6 – Mass Transit Funding
A portion of these revenues may be used for mass transit guideways (e.g., rail, busways),
But must be approved by voters, and meet specific requirements for use.
Section 7 – Environmental and Safety Projects
Permits use of funds for:
Pollution control,
Public safety improvements related to highways,
Projects that mitigate the impact of highway construction.
Section 8 – Definitions
Defines key terms like:
“Vehicle fuel,”
“Public streets and highways,”
“Mass transit guideway.”
Section 9 – Local Government Use
Local governments must follow the same usage restrictions when spending motor vehicle revenue.
Section 10 – Enforcement and Accountability
Provides mechanisms for:
Judicial enforcement,
Ensuring that funds are not misused or diverted.
✅ Summary:
Article XIX ensures that motor vehicle taxes and fees are protected funds—only to be used for transportation-related purposes such as:
Highways and roads,
Mass transit (with limits),
Traffic law enforcement,
Environmental impacts of transportation.
This helps maintain California’s transportation infrastructure and ensures public trust in how tax revenues are spent.
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