Drivers could soon pay per mile to use public roadways in Washington

From KOMO-TV 4, Seattle via MSN:

Lawmakers in Olympia are considering a pay-per-mile program that would eventually replace Washington state’s gas tax. 

As part of House Bill 1832, a Road Usage Charge (RUC) program would charge drivers 2.5 cents per mile. According to the legislation, drivers of hybrid or electric cars could voluntarily participate in the program starting in July 2026. In the process, electric car owners would qualify for refunds on licensing fees, which can cost up to $275 a year.

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In 2030, the RUC would become mandatory for all Washington drivers, regardless of if a car is electric or powered by gas.

If approved, the state could only charge drivers for travel on interstates, state highways and other city and county maintained roads. Travel on private roads would not be included.

The proposal comes as more of Washington’s drivers use hybrid and electric cars. Given that those cars use little to no fuel, users of the vehicles largely avoid paying Washington’s gas taxes. As a result, sponsors of the pay-per-mile program insist that something needs to be done to solve the continual decline in the state’s gas tax revenues.