Halford

This case presents the issue of whether the statutory process by which California converted from a calendar-year vehicle license renewal system to a staggered, year-round system, effective as of the 1976 registration year, violates the equal protection clauses of the United States and California Constitutions.

For the reasons discussed, we conclude that the implementation of the year-round registration plan comports with constitutional guarantees.

Background

Appellant Hugh A. Halford (Halford) was the owner of a motor vehicle registered in California during the 1976-1977 registration year with a registration renewal period between July 1976 and July 1977, excluding January 1977.

Halford proceeded with a class action on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated against respondent, the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles of the State of California (DMV), challenging the constitutionality of the legislative scheme and seeking a refund of excessive vehicle license fees paid.

Halford gives credence to the Legislature’s right to redress the calendar year system of renewal which admittedly caused “terrible workload problems for the DMV each year,” but…