State road usage charge now in effect for light-duty passenger electric vehicles

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation’s road usage charge program for light-duty passenger electric vehicles went into effect July 1.

The program’s implementation comes after a federally funded, 3-year research and demonstration project as well as passage of authorizing legislation in 2023.

Eligible electric vehicle owners will have the option to pay a state per-mile road usage charge of $8 per 1,000 miles, capped at $50, or a flat annual road usage charge of $50 upon their next registration renewal after July 1.

Electric vehicle owners can use the Hawai‘i Road Usage Charge Program’s estimator to help determine which option is best for them.

Both options replace the state’s current $50 electric vehicle registration surcharge.

Registration renewal will be nearly identical to the previous process, the primary difference being that all vehicle odometers will be photographed at their next periodic motor vehicle safety inspections.

The state per-mile road usage charge will become mandatory for electric vehicles by 2028, and the program is expected to expand to all light-duty vehicles by 2033.

“Instead of paying based on what type of car you drive — or can afford — a road usage charge means vehicle owners will pay only for how much they actually drive,” said Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen in an announcement about the program taking effect.

As more Hawaiʻi drivers choose more fuel-efficient hybrid or all-electric vehicles, revenues from motor fuel taxes and other vehicle registration fees have declined, resulting in less funding to maintain the state’s roads, bridges and infrastructure.

The road usage charge is a step to ensure long-term, sustainable funding for transportation.

“It’s a much fairer way for everyone to contribute to keeping our roads and bridges safe and operable,” Sniffen said.

Vehicle registration renewal can be completed using any existing renewal method through each the Department of Motor Vehicles in each county in person, by mail or online.

Visit the Hawaiʻi County Department of Motor Vehicles website to renew your registration if you are a Hawaiʻi County resident or for additional information.

You can also use Hawaiʻi DMV NOW kiosks.

“[Electric vehicle] drivers have long led our journey to a sustainable transportation future. As we move away from gas vehicles, we must modernize how we fund our roadways and bridges,” said Hawaiʻi Electric Vehicle Association President Noel Morin in the announcement.

Morin added that the association worked closely with the state during the past 2 years to develop the program and supports the transition. It’s proud that electric vehicle owners in Hawaiʻi continue to lead the way.

“The Hawaiʻi Road Usage Charge is a fair and forward-looking solution that ensures everyone contributes to the infrastructure we all rely on,” Morin said.

Visit the Hawaiʻi Road Usage Charge Program website for a quick quide about the new program or click here for additional information.