AUGUSTA — Maine motorists could pay higher vehicle registration fees if a bill that’s received final House passage becomes law.

The House voted 89-57 Tuesday to allow an increase in the motor vehicle licensing and registration service fees collected and retained by municipalities. The renewal of a license or registration would increase from $3 to $5, and the allowable service fee for a new license or registration would increase from $4 to $6. The bill, L.D. 405, awaits final Senate action.

Republicans blame majority Democrats for the proposed increases and say they are “raiding the pockets of hardworking Mainers to the tune of $3 million.”