The final 1.5-cent gas tax increase from the 2005 transportation revenue package takes effect today. And the Washington State Department of Transportation wants to remind us that, yes, gas is expensive, but this increase will only raise the fuel bill of the typical driver by $9 per year per vehicle (see chart below).
What Does the Average Driver Pay Annually in Gas Tax?
(assumes 12,000 miles of driving per year)
implemented 30 mpg 20 mpg 10 mpg
July 1, 2003 (Nickel Gas Tax) 5¢ $20.00 $30.00 $60.00
July 1, 2005 (portion of the 9.5¢) 3¢ $12.00 $18.00 $36.00
July 1, 2006 (portion of the 9.5¢) 3¢ $12.00 $18.00 $36.00
July 1, 2007 (portion of the 9.5¢) 2¢ $8.00 $12.00 $24.00
July 1, 2008 (portion of the 9.5¢) 1.5¢ $6.00 $9.00 $18.00
subtotal of increases 14.5¢ $58.00 $87.00 $174.00
Existing state gas tax 23¢ $92.00 $138.00 $276.00
total state gas tax 37.5¢ $150.00 $225.00 $450.00