Taxing your mileage

Federal Gov. proposing a miles-traveled tax

Updated: Friday, 20 Feb 2009, 8:01 PM EST
Published : Friday, 20 Feb 2009, 11:56 AM EST

The Obama administration is considering installing a chip in your car that would track and tax your mileage. The federal government is looking at taxing drivers based on how many miles they travel, not how much gas they use.

Earlier this month, Governor Deval Patrick proposed a similar program where a chip would be installed in your inspection sticker.

Patrick said the G-P-S system could potentially replace the state gas tax in 2014.

Many drivers are concerned big brother is watching too closely.

"We were just having battles with the Patriot Act, so what, they are going to follow us too on the car? I would rather pay the gas tax hike," said Judith Arcamo.

"They are controlling too much of our life, knowing where you are and where you are going. That stuff that is private and they don't need to know," said Tim Mcquire.

The idea is gaining momentum in a number of states. Oregon put the miles traveled tax to the test and had positive result.  A proposal in North Carolina would charge motorists a quarter of a penny per mile.
 

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