Principia Discordia

Principia Discordia => Aneristic Illusions => Topic started by: Adios on May 18, 2011, 05:23:54 PM

Title: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Adios on May 18, 2011, 05:23:54 PM
It seems that those pesky fuel efficient cars are causing some problems as far as funding for highway maintenance.  Not to worry though, a new tax has been proposed.


Because greater fuel economy is letting motorists drive more miles using less gas, the current gas tax that funds the federal government's efforts to build and maintain highways isn't generating enough money.

A driving tax, officially known as a "vehicle miles traveled" tax, could close that gap.
http://money.cnn.com/2011/05/18/news/economy/gas_tax_drivers/index.htm?hpt=T2


Oh, and as part of calculating how much you owe they are considering putting a gps in your vehicle.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on May 18, 2011, 05:35:38 PM
Glad I don't drive.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Adios on May 18, 2011, 05:37:31 PM
Quote from: Doktor Blight on May 18, 2011, 05:35:38 PM
Glad I don't drive.

My tiny mind is already counting the "exceptions" that will be allowed for certain entities.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on May 18, 2011, 05:37:42 PM
ASFGHJ!!! Dude. Just no.

I mean, increasing the gas tax rate, sure. But tracking the miles I drive, and where I go? FUCK THAT.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Adios on May 18, 2011, 05:42:03 PM
Quote from: Nigel on May 18, 2011, 05:37:42 PM
ASFGHJ!!! Dude. Just no.

I mean, increasing the gas tax rate, sure. But tracking the miles I drive, and where I go? FUCK THAT.

:lulz:

Adding GPS technology enables a whole other level of pricing. Motorists could be charged different rates for travel on different roads during different times of the day. This is a form of congestion pricing, a concept that's generally seen as an effective tool in reducing traffic jams.

But installing GPS technology in cars and giving that data to the government raises a whole series of privacy concerns.

CBO anticipated such concerns in its report.

It said GPS technology that records a vehicle's general but not specific location could ease those concerns.

Also, on board computers could be used to calculate the vehicle's final bill and merely transmit that information to the government, keeping the actual path of the vehicle private.

Like the gas tax, a mileage tax would also tend to have a higher impact on people in rural areas. Rural residents tend to drive larger cars and have longer commutes.

Of course this would never be abused. Right?
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Cain on May 18, 2011, 05:43:04 PM
They could just sell the roads to a Sovereign Wealth Fund located in the Middle East, and let them figure out how to raise the revenue.  It worked so well in Chicago (http://www.swfinstitute.org/tag/chicago-parking-meters-llc/)!
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Adios on May 18, 2011, 05:46:34 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 18, 2011, 05:43:04 PM
They could just sell the roads to a Sovereign Wealth Fund located in the Middle East, and let them figure out how to raise the revenue.  It worked so well in Chicago (http://www.swfinstitute.org/tag/chicago-parking-meters-llc/)!

This is so rich in lulz.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: *GrumpButt* on May 18, 2011, 05:46:44 PM
Ok what about truck drivers?  Am thinking that company drivers (do not own the truck) would not have to worry about this, their companies would cover anything. But the people that DO own their own trucks/Owner operators.....   Truck drivers can drive 3k miles per week if not more, not to mention that if they are team they can double that number.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Adios on May 18, 2011, 05:49:11 PM
Quote from: *GrumpButt* on May 18, 2011, 05:46:44 PM
Ok what about truck drivers?  Am thinking that company drivers (do not own the truck) would not have to worry about this, their companies would cover anything. But the people that DO own their own trucks/Owner operators.....   Truck drivers can drive 3k miles per week if not more, not to mention that if they are team they can double that number.

While the gas tax is an approximate measure of how much wear and tear a vehicle puts on the roads, with heavier vehicles generally using more gas and so paying more taxes, the mileage tax could be based on a specific vehicle's make, year and model.

A triple-axle truck, for example, causes less road damage than a double-axle truck of the same weight because the weight is more evenly distributed. So the triple axle would be charged less.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Adios on May 18, 2011, 06:04:56 PM
Now I am wondering about trains, planes and boats. This could get good.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Cain on May 18, 2011, 06:07:32 PM
I would expect there would be exemptions for certain economically productive activity.  Like how in the UK, truckers don't pay the fuel tax.

Of course, with a US spin, this exemption would probably only apply to large, well organized firms.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Adios on May 18, 2011, 06:10:14 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 18, 2011, 06:07:32 PM
I would expect there would be exemptions for certain economically productive activity.  Like how in the UK, truckers don't pay the fuel tax.

Of course, with a US spin, this exemption would probably only apply to large, well organized firms.

In the US truckers pay huge taxes, via the fuel tax. For a while some even had signs on them proclaiming "This vehicle pays X thousands of dollars per year in highway taxes."
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: *GrumpButt* on May 18, 2011, 06:16:11 PM
Of course. And smaller companies are going to get the shitty end of the stick. Owner Operators can work for a company, or just run loads for whatever company is paying the right amount. Which would make them (IMO) self employed. Logging trucks for instance, around here, are all owner operators. Owner Operators do/usually make more money than company drivers, but also have to pay for their own gas, upkeep, lights (every light that a truck has, even the little ones, has to be maintained, D.O.T. will give you a ticket/fine for every tiny light that is not working) not to mention insurance and a shit ton of other things that go along with keeping your truck running, tires and so-forth.

..... I had a point I was trying to make here, but after typing in all that, I have forgotten..... /facepalm
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: *GrumpButt* on May 18, 2011, 06:16:59 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on May 18, 2011, 06:10:14 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 18, 2011, 06:07:32 PM
I would expect there would be exemptions for certain economically productive activity.  Like how in the UK, truckers don't pay the fuel tax.

Of course, with a US spin, this exemption would probably only apply to large, well organized firms.

In the US truckers pay huge taxes, via the fuel tax. For a while some even had signs on them proclaiming "This vehicle pays X thousands of dollars per year in highway taxes."

Ok now this is what I was getting at, added to everything I stated above. Or something along those lines anyways.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Precious Moments Zalgo on May 18, 2011, 06:20:30 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on May 18, 2011, 05:23:54 PM
It seems that those pesky fuel efficient cars are causing some problems as far as funding for highway maintenance.  Not to worry though, a new tax has been proposed.


Because greater fuel economy is letting motorists drive more miles using less gas, the current gas tax that funds the federal government's efforts to build and maintain highways isn't generating enough money.

A driving tax, officially known as a "vehicle miles traveled" tax, could close that gap.
http://money.cnn.com/2011/05/18/news/economy/gas_tax_drivers/index.htm?hpt=T2


Oh, and as part of calculating how much you owe they are considering putting a gps in your vehicle.
WTH?  Can't they just require the mileage to be reported as part of the annual safety/emissions inspection.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Adios on May 18, 2011, 06:21:20 PM
Quote from: Pastor Miskatonic Zappathruster on May 18, 2011, 06:20:30 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on May 18, 2011, 05:23:54 PM
It seems that those pesky fuel efficient cars are causing some problems as far as funding for highway maintenance.  Not to worry though, a new tax has been proposed.


Because greater fuel economy is letting motorists drive more miles using less gas, the current gas tax that funds the federal government's efforts to build and maintain highways isn't generating enough money.

A driving tax, officially known as a "vehicle miles traveled" tax, could close that gap.
http://money.cnn.com/2011/05/18/news/economy/gas_tax_drivers/index.htm?hpt=T2


Oh, and as part of calculating how much you owe they are considering putting a gps in your vehicle.
WTH?  Can't they just require the mileage to be reported as part of the annual safety/emissions inspection.

Not all states have those.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Miss Demeanor on May 18, 2011, 06:22:20 PM
Why don't we just fucking tax each individual's oxygen intake FFS.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: *GrumpButt* on May 18, 2011, 06:26:19 PM
Quote from: Miss Demeanor on May 18, 2011, 06:22:20 PM
Why don't we just fucking tax each individual's oxygen intake FFS.

Soon I am sure.

Will be a scale that determines how much you inhale. Will go by age, sex, weight, smoke or not, (maybe smokers will get a discount as we can't inhale as much/well)  also will take into account how much you have exercised cause you know, you breath moar when you do that.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Cain on May 18, 2011, 06:26:26 PM
Basically, a giant GPS powered system of mileage collation is going to cost billions to implement. 

This will no doubt be outsourced.  Cheaper alternatives will be ignored.

Follow the money.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Adios on May 18, 2011, 06:30:27 PM
Quote from: Cain on May 18, 2011, 06:26:26 PM
Basically, a giant GPS powered system of mileage collation is going to cost billions to implement. 

This will no doubt be outsourced.  Cheaper alternatives will be ignored.

Follow the money.

I see a new crime opportunity here. Counterfeiting license plates to avoid having your vehicle in the DMV database. Creating false documentation of wrecks causing the vehicle to be totaled and of course removing gps systems.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: LMNO on May 18, 2011, 06:47:21 PM
Or they could, you know, build more toll booths.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Nephew Twiddleton on May 18, 2011, 08:21:52 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD on May 18, 2011, 06:47:21 PM
Or they could, you know, build more toll booths.

But that would just create more jobs for the Mexicans to take, LMNO!
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Bebek Sincap Ratatosk on May 18, 2011, 09:20:34 PM
Hacking this little toy could make for some great LULZ.


"Sir, you are behind on your taxes., Our records show you traveled 15,000 miles each week this year."
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 18, 2011, 10:10:28 PM
Quote from: Pastor Miskatonic Zappathruster on May 18, 2011, 06:20:30 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on May 18, 2011, 05:23:54 PM
It seems that those pesky fuel efficient cars are causing some problems as far as funding for highway maintenance.  Not to worry though, a new tax has been proposed.


Because greater fuel economy is letting motorists drive more miles using less gas, the current gas tax that funds the federal government's efforts to build and maintain highways isn't generating enough money.

A driving tax, officially known as a "vehicle miles traveled" tax, could close that gap.
http://money.cnn.com/2011/05/18/news/economy/gas_tax_drivers/index.htm?hpt=T2


Oh, and as part of calculating how much you owe they are considering putting a gps in your vehicle.
WTH?  Can't they just require the mileage to be reported as part of the annual safety/emissions inspection.

Not the point.  My good friend Franz Kafka has explained all of this.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: BabylonHoruv on May 18, 2011, 10:18:20 PM
This is just stupid.  a higher gas tax would encourage less fuel use, which would be a good thing, a milage tax just encourages less driving period.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 18, 2011, 10:20:18 PM
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on May 18, 2011, 10:18:20 PM
This is just stupid.  a higher gas tax would encourage less fuel use, which would be a good thing, a milage tax just encourages less driving period.

It puts a GPS in your car.

More to the point, it gets you used to things like a GPS in your car.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Adios on May 18, 2011, 10:40:34 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 18, 2011, 10:20:18 PM
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on May 18, 2011, 10:18:20 PM
This is just stupid.  a higher gas tax would encourage less fuel use, which would be a good thing, a milage tax just encourages less driving period.

It puts a GPS in your car.

More to the point, it gets you used to things like a GPS in your car.

This is the heart of the issue. Also BH the problem is we are using less fuel, therefore less taxes generated.

Another thing we should be asking is where is the money going? The majority of our bridges will be obsolete and out of (safety) date in just a few short years. Many are already rotten and some are closed due to safety concerns and others have just collapsed.

WE'RE NUMBER 1!!!!!!

Right?
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: BabylonHoruv on May 18, 2011, 11:37:10 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on May 18, 2011, 10:40:34 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 18, 2011, 10:20:18 PM
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on May 18, 2011, 10:18:20 PM
This is just stupid.  a higher gas tax would encourage less fuel use, which would be a good thing, a milage tax just encourages less driving period.

It puts a GPS in your car.

More to the point, it gets you used to things like a GPS in your car.

This is the heart of the issue. Also BH the problem is we are using less fuel, therefore less taxes generated.

Another thing we should be asking is where is the money going? The majority of our bridges will be obsolete and out of (safety) date in just a few short years. Many are already rotten and some are closed due to safety concerns and others have just collapsed.

WE'RE NUMBER 1!!!!!!

Right?

But we're spending more on fuel.  If they taxed it like a sales tax revenues would actually be up.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Elder Iptuous on May 18, 2011, 11:38:10 PM
So, i was going to be all slick and look up the bill on govtrack to find, i was guessing, that this is in the preliminary committee stage of the process where the majority of stupid bill get filed in the circular file.
but when i looked for the number in the article it seems that
QuoteAlthough there's currently no bill proposing such a tax, lawmakers are looking into it.

sooo.... this isn't even news.  :|
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: BabylonHoruv on May 18, 2011, 11:38:54 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 18, 2011, 10:20:18 PM
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on May 18, 2011, 10:18:20 PM
This is just stupid.  a higher gas tax would encourage less fuel use, which would be a good thing, a milage tax just encourages less driving period.

It puts a GPS in your car.

More to the point, it gets you used to things like a GPS in your car.

I'm sure.  It's just a really stupid justification for it.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on May 18, 2011, 11:41:41 PM
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on May 18, 2011, 11:38:54 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on May 18, 2011, 10:20:18 PM
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on May 18, 2011, 10:18:20 PM
This is just stupid.  a higher gas tax would encourage less fuel use, which would be a good thing, a milage tax just encourages less driving period.

It puts a GPS in your car.

More to the point, it gets you used to things like a GPS in your car.

I'm sure.  It's just a really stupid justification for it.

It's not stupid if it works.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Adios on May 19, 2011, 02:36:10 PM
Quote from: Iptuous on May 18, 2011, 11:38:10 PM
So, i was going to be all slick and look up the bill on govtrack to find, i was guessing, that this is in the preliminary committee stage of the process where the majority of stupid bill get filed in the circular file.
but when i looked for the number in the article it seems that
QuoteAlthough there's currently no bill proposing such a tax, lawmakers are looking into it.

sooo.... this isn't even news.  :|

You could have simply read the thread title.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Laughin Jude on May 21, 2011, 11:24:26 PM
Quote from: Pastor Miskatonic Zappathruster on May 18, 2011, 06:20:30 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on May 18, 2011, 05:23:54 PM
It seems that those pesky fuel efficient cars are causing some problems as far as funding for highway maintenance.  Not to worry though, a new tax has been proposed.


Because greater fuel economy is letting motorists drive more miles using less gas, the current gas tax that funds the federal government's efforts to build and maintain highways isn't generating enough money.

A driving tax, officially known as a "vehicle miles traveled" tax, could close that gap.
http://money.cnn.com/2011/05/18/news/economy/gas_tax_drivers/index.htm?hpt=T2


Oh, and as part of calculating how much you owe they are considering putting a gps in your vehicle.
WTH?  Can't they just require the mileage to be reported as part of the annual safety/emissions inspection.

I know some states require those inspections, but I've never lived in one of them.

EDIT: Oh hey multiple pages.
Title: Re: Mileage driving tax considered
Post by: Adios on May 24, 2011, 06:58:28 PM
Next month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is expected to declare that all vehicles must contain an event data recorder, known more commonly as a "black box." The device, similar to those found in aircraft, records vehicle inputs and, in the event of a crash, provides a snapshot of the final moments before impact.

That snapshot could be viewed by law enforcement, insurance companies and automakers. The device cannot be turned off, and you'll probably know little more about it than the legal disclosure you'll find in the owner's manual.
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/05/automotive-black-boxes/

:lulz: