Owners of cars registered in Spokane will start paying an additional $20 to license their cars starting Sept. 1 to pay for the city’s new vehicle tax.

The state Department of Licensing finalized the date earlier this month.

The Spokane City Council approved the tab fee on Feb. 14. State law says tab fees become effective six months after approval. Department of Licensing spokesman Brad Benfield said the state prefers to start collections at the beginning of a month.

The council created a Transportation Benefit District last year. That decision gave the city the ability to approve tab taxes up to $20 without voter approval.

City officials expect to collect about $2.6 million in the first full year of collections. Most of the money will be used for street maintenance. Ten percent was earmarked for sidewalks.

In Spokane, the total required fees for most passenger cars, including the tax, will increase to $63.75. Vehicles weighing from 4,001 to 6,000 pounds will pay $73.75, and vehicles from 6,001 pounds to 8,000 pounds will pay $83.75.

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