Oregon Plans Road Usage Fee Increase Affecting Electric Vehicles

Oregon lawmakers are considering a bill proposed by Gov. Tina Kotek that would increase gas taxes and introduce a mandatory Road Usage Fee (RUC) for electric vehicle owners to compensate for lost gas tax revenue. The RUC would charge EV owners either a per-mile fee, increasing from two cents to 2.3 cents, or a $340 annual fee, phased in over three years starting in 2027 for existing EVs and later for hybrids. The state currently offers a voluntary RUC program, OReGO, but the new legislation would make it mandatory with various mileage tracking options. Meanwhile, the back-to-school season often leads to changes in driving habits, resulting in higher car insurance costs for families, especially those with teen drivers or college students. Factors contributing to increased insurance rates include higher mileage, adding young drivers, location changes, and seasonal demand. Understanding these factors can help families find more affordable car insurance during this period.