Truckers who use roadways in Connecticut should be aware of a new highway usage fee going into effect early next year.
Starting on January 1, 2023, a “Highway Use Fee” will be “imposed on certain carriers for the privilege of operating, or causing to be operated, certain heavy, multi-unit motor vehicles on any highway (i.e., public road) in Connecticut,” according to state officials.
Connecticut governor Ned Lamont previously stated that the new Highway Use Fee is expected to generate $90 million in annual revenue for the state after fiscal year 2023.
How Much Will Truckers Pay To Use Connecticut Roads Under The New Fee?
The new Highway Use Fee will be calculated based on the motor vehicle’s weight and the number of miles driven in Connecticut. The per‑mile fee rate increases based on the carrier’s gross weight, ranging from 2.5 cents per mile for vehicles weighing 26,000-28,000 pounds to 17.5 cents per mile for vehicles weighing more than 80,000 pounds
See the table below for the rate per mile based on gross weight.
Carriers will be responsible for reporting the number of miles travelled in Connecticut by each vehicle via the myconneCT online portal.
Who Must Register For A Highway User Fee Permit?
According to the Connecticut State Department of Revenue Services (DRS), carriers must register with DRS for the Highway Use Fee by January 1, 2023 to obtain a Highway User Fee Permit. The first Highway Use Fee Return is due on or before February 28, 2023.
The Highway Use Fee is applicable to any person that operates or causes to be operated on any highway in Connecticut any eligible motor vehicle. An eligible motor vehicle has a gross weight of twenty-six thousand pounds or more and carries a classification between Class 8 and Class 13, inclusive, under the Federal Highway Administration vehicle classification system must register for a Highway Use Fee Permit, state officials say.
