California Considers Tracking Your Car

As fuel efficiency has increased, gas taxes have declined. California considers an alternative tax on mileage rather than gasoline.

1 minute read

November 19, 2004, 7:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"It's a looming problem as hybrids become more popular, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's government-reform commission has come up with a solution: Tax motorists based on the miles they drive, not the amount of gas they consume.

...But it's not at all far-fetched. Oregon will do a test run of such a "vehicle- miles traveled" system next year.

...The proposal here raises a number of concerns: One is that it could discourage drivers from buying fuel-efficient cars. Another is that it could open the door to state surveillance of motorists."

Thanks to Slashdot

Friday, November 19, 2004 in Orange County Register

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