Connecticut may abolish highway use tax
Connecticut bills call on the state to eliminate the highway use tax on large trucks.
On January 1, the state introduced a tax on the use of trucks moving on any Connecticut highway. The tax applies to large trucks from class 8 to class 13.
The tax rate per mile ranges from 2.5 cents per mile for vehicles weighing between 26,000 and 28,000 pounds to 17.5 cents per mile for vehicles over 80,000 pounds.
The Connecticut Motor Vehicle Association called on state legislators to repeal the tax. House Republican leader Vincent Candelora of North Branford added in a press release that the new truck tax “will only increase the cost of goods and products.” Connecticut farmers also campaigned for the abolition of the tax. They cite higher food prices.
Meanwhile, Gov. Ned Lamont and other supporters say the state needs money from truckers to keep Connecticut’s bond ratings high. One of the bills in the House of Representatives calls for the abolition of the highway use tax and the suspension of the phased introduction of the gas tax after an extended tax holiday.
The tax on diesel fuel has not changed. The nine-month tax holiday in Connecticut came to an end on January 1, 2023. At the same time, the state began phasing in a 25-cent excise tax on gas, with monthly nickel increases through April.
The bill is under consideration by the Joint Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee.
The second bill calls for abolishing the use tax and doing the same with fuel taxes. There are 13 more House and Senate bills that are solely aimed at eliminating the highway tax.
