Michigan Could Start Charging Drivers by the Mile

Michigan is looking into a new way to make drivers pay for road repairs, and this one would be based on how many miles you drive.

It’s called a road usage charge, or more simply, a pay-per-mile fee. Instead of relying mainly on the gas tax, Michigan drivers could eventually be charged based on the number of miles they travel.

Honestly, I don’t think Michiganders are going to be on board with this. Even if the fee eventually replaces the gas tax, hearing that the state wants to track your mileage and charge you for every mile driven probably won’t sit well with a lot of people.

Why Michigan Is Considering a Pay-Per-Mile Fee

Right now, Michigan uses money from gas taxes and vehicle registration fees to help pay for road repairs. The problem is, newer vehicles are using less gas, and electric vehicles aren’t using any.

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So, even though those vehicles are still on the road, they’re bringing in little to no gas tax money.

According to MLive, Michigan lawmakers have set aside $7.65 million to study the pay-per-mile idea and test it through a pilot program.

When Does Michigan’s Pay-Per-Mile Program Start?

Before you get too worked up, this isn’t happening yet.

Michigan plans to test the idea for six months beginning in February 2027 with around 1,000 volunteers. Miles could be tracked through odometer readings, an app, or a device inside the vehicle.

There’s no price yet, and it’s unclear whether this would replace the gas tax or be added on top of it. That alone will probably be a big concern for Michigan drivers.

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The test wraps up in 2027, and lawmakers would have to approve any permanent changes.

It sounds a little like a toll road, except you wouldn’t have to be on a toll road to get charged. Depending on how the program is set up, every mile you drive could count. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like the sound of that.