Let’s face it, most of us are drivers. We love our diesels and whether we drive them for work, for pleasure, or both, driving is what we do. Well, now in the state of Oregon you need to give that some extra thought, unless of course your pockets are lined with cash. The state of Oregon has become the first state to get approved to tax drivers on the miles they drive every year versus paying the fuel tax at the pump.
So, that’s right, the more you drive the more you pay, regardless of your fuel efficiency or anything else. Why you ask would anyone do this? Well, the reason is simple…the state wants more money. According to a recent article in the Daily Signal, the opinion came about because more and more vehicles are becoming more fuel efficient, less taxes are being paid at the pump but people are driving more. They say that is less money to fix and maintain the roads throughout the state. Therefore, if you paid tax on miles driven then it would all equal out in the long run.
Does this seem fair? If you live in the city and never drive much your fuel just got a whole lot cheaper. But if you have a long commute to work, drive for work, or pleasure then your fuel just got a whole lot more expensive. So, our question is, does this apply to everyone. If you are a trucker driving through Oregon are you going to have to submit your miles now to the state? How about all those family road trips coming in and out of the state on your way across the North West? It seems like it would be a little hard to track and an unfair tax in the long run.
Give us your opinion. Are you for this or against it?