With the start of 2025, vehicle owners in Nuevo León must pay close attention to their vehicular obligations, particularly the refrendo. This mandatory payment ensures the registration plates remain legally associated with the owner's name.
According to the Instituto de Control Vehicular de Nuevo León (ICV-NL), the refrendo vehicular is due annually and is necessary for all vehicles with plates from the state, regardless of their age or model. Interestingly, 100% electric vehicles are exempt from this payment, reflecting the state's commitment to promoting green energy. It is important to note, though, vehicles under 250,000 pesos do not automatically qualify for exemptions.
So, how can vehicle owners fulfill this obligation efficiently? The ICV-NL has made the process straightforward and accessible. Owners can pay their refrendo online by visiting the official ICV website at www.icvnl.gob.mx. From there, they should select the 'Pago de refrendo' option and proceed to 'Aplicar en línea'. After entering their vehicle's plate number, they can verify the amount due, download the payment form, or pay directly using their bank's electronic platform.
This year, the ICV-NL is encouraging early payments by offering discounts for those who complete their transactions during January. Specifically, there is a 10% discount available for vehicles manufactured from 2016 onwards, as well as for trailers and motorcycles, if paid on time. For older models, the fee structure is simplified to 9.5 UMA for cars from 2010 or earlier and 15 UMA for those from 2011 to 2015.
Failure to complete the refrendo payment can lead to various penalties. According to the ICV-NL, individuals who neglect to meet this obligation may face traffic fines ranging from 217.14 pesos to 434.28 pesos. Additional consequences include being barred from completing vehicular transactions like re-registration or vehicle verification and accruing more charges and interest on their overdue fees. Vehicles could also face impoundment, making recovery difficult without settling outstanding debts to the state.
Those who may struggle with the payment due to various circumstances will find relief through subsidies offered by the state. For seniors over 65 with only one vehicle registered, they are eligible for up to 25% off their refrendo payment. Likewise, individuals with disabilities can obtain significant discounts on license plates, offering 100% off for first-time issuance and 50% off for replacements due to theft or loss. Programs aimed at incentivizing the use of hybrid vehicles are also noteworthy—those with both electric and combustion engines will not have to pay their refrendo this year.
Citizens may also choose to pay their refrendo at designated ICV offices and affiliated banks such as Banorte and Afirme, which open as early as 7:00 am and remain available until 4:00 pm, providing significant convenience for those who prefer face-to-face transactions. The goal here is to enable all citizens to comply without complications, ensuring the ICV's operations run smoothly.
When addressing compliance, it is also important to reflect on the ease of payment through online platforms. With technology advancing, many vehicle owners have adapted well, enjoying the benefits of being able to handle their registration duties from the comfort of their homes without enduring long wait times as often seen at physical locations. The ICV-NL assures its clients of immediate acknowledgment of payment transactions, enabling continued road access.
To paint the complete picture, fulfilling the refrendo requirement not only safeguards vehicle ownership but actively contributes to the orderly functionality of public services within Nuevo León. By participating positively, vehicle owners engage their responsibilities, thereby fostering community benefits and infrastructure development.
For those seeking more details or guidance on the refrendo process, visiting the ICV-NL’s official website, or contacting local ICV offices will provide the necessary information and resources to assist vehicle owners as they navigate their obligations. Make sure to take advantage of early payment discounts during January for significant savings and to reduce the likelihood of complications later on.