Durham Considers Exempting Car Tax on Vehicles That Accommodate Disabled People

Durham residents who deal with a disability may be getting a little tax break soon.

The town is looking into creating an ordinance that would eliminate the annual car tax for persons with disabilities who utilize a modified vehicle to accommodate their needs. This would cover the vehicle's owner who has a disability, a spouse or a child, the proposed ordinance stated.

"'A motor vehicle modified to accommodate a person with disabilities' shall be defined as any production vehicle which has been altered or reconfigured or has undergone mechanical or structural changes which permit an individual with a disability to safely drive or ride as a passenger," the ordinance explained.

Residents would have to apply for this exemption and would have to prepare a letter from the applicant's physician who attesting that the patient uses a car modified for medical needs, the ordinance detailed.

The Board of Selectmen is expected to vote during its meeting on Oct. 21 to set a public hearing on this proposed ordinance. Once the date is set, then residents will be able to come forward and comment on the proposed ordinance.

Read the full proposed ordinance on the town's website.