What happened: Virginia drivers with fuel-efficient (25 MPG or greater) or electric vehicles who currently pay the annual highway use fee (HUF) will soon have the option to enroll in the “Mileage Choice Program.”
Why it matters: The voluntary program charges motorists based on how many miles they actually drive, while the HUF is based on the state’s annual average miles driven (currently assessed at 11,600 miles). The per-mile rate is capped at the HUF, so program participants who drive fewer miles can save money. To participate drivers must download an app for the initial odometer reading and install a device to record the miles driven.
Virginia joins Oregon and Utah, which have similar programs.
What’s next: Starting July 1 drivers can join the program upon renewal of their vehicle registration. The program is run by Virginia’s Department of Motor Vehicles and more information can be found here.