Just when you think it couldn't get any worse in California.

[Zak]

California launching pilot program to charge drivers for miles driven

AUTOS.YAHOO.COM

---

California will soon begin testing a pilot program that will tax drivers based on the miles they log to offset the loss of gas tax revenues from EVs.

 

Edited May 28 by Zak

[OldRoller]

The bean-counters are at it again... if they eliminate the state tax of $.51 a gallon, the fed tax and state 'fees' still hold a .61 cent bump per gallon, the highest in the nation. 

How would they implement this? Odometer calcs at inspection every two years? Transponders in every vehicle? Oy!

 

I see a boom in black market odometer 'repair'... not that it will bother our 02's much, most odo's don't work anyway!

[PhilC]

Most EVs have probably got some kind of gadget in them which could record and transmit mileage. The fair answer would be charge EVs by the mile and ICEs at the pump. Even better have an annual road tax like here in the UK.

[Highnote1]

As an EV and an 02 owner…I would prefer by mile! I just paid my Texas registration and it includes a 200.00 EV fee! I only drive 9000 miles or so a year and that amount feels like a punishment. 

[Mike Self]

2 hours ago, Highnote1 said:

I just paid my Texas registration and it includes a 200.00 EV fee!

Ohio has a similar added license plate fee for EVs--only fair since highway construction/repair/maintenance is primarily funded by state gas taxes, and EVs contribute to road wear and tear the same as ICE vehicles.  No free lunch!

 

What frosts me worse are the insurance companies that want you to plug one of their spy boxes into your OBD II port so they can "lower your rates based on your driving habits."  Yeah, right.  

 

mike

[FunElan]

If you just keep driving your 02 in California and don't read articles like this, life is great. 

[Leucadian]

Jokes on them, my odometer is broken.  

[conkitchen]

Newsome's got a new boat and ski lodge and his daughter's college he needs paid for.

[John76]

4 hours ago, Mike Self said:

highway construction/repair/maintenance is primarily funded by state gas taxes, and EVs contribute to road wear and tear the same as ICE vehicles. 

Hah!  A 6,000 lb. EV that accelerates to 60mph in less than 3 seconds does more wear and tear to our roads than a 2002 Turbo!

 

[Mike Self]

3 minutes ago, John76 said:

A 6,000 lb. EV that accelerates to 60mph in less than 3 seconds does more wear and tear to our roads than a 2002 Turbo!

That's why at least in some states (Florida, for example) license plate fees are based on weight, both for passenger cars and trucks. 

 

In Ohio, trucks (even small ones) pay more for their plates than cars.  Thank goodness for our $15 permanent historical plates!

 

mike

[Vicleonardo1]

So glad I don't live in California. It is bad enough living in a Cali Wannabe state like Oregon. 

 

Let's use government money to incentivize everyone to go green!! 

Oh wait, we are losing tax revenue!. (They never connect the dots and unintended consequences don't matter unless it keeps money away from government) 

Let's find a way to tax everyone to make up for our mistake and bring in even more dollars and continue to find ways to not spend it on road and bridge maintenance. We can use tolls for that, but that money is good for other uses too.....like incentives for electric cars.....

Edited May 27 by Vicleonardo1

[Son of Marty]

Their considering a mileage tax in Washington too, but it's grossly unfair for people who don't live in town in eastern Washington you can live 40 to 50 miles to a supermarket.

[Zak]

Well, The speedometers - odometers haven't worked in my 02s for years. It's time to take them for a ride along the Pacific Coast Highway and crank up the music. But, it's not the Beach Boys.

 

 

[Schnellvintage]

The Monopoly money is losing its value so the corrupt govt has to make up more fees or taxes to launder for themselves in addition to being fiscally irresponsible to its people.

[kbmb02]

Another good reason to VOTE. -KB