Gasoline Tax Rises in Maine

July 8, 2009

Starting on Wednesday, the residents of Maine will begin paying a bit more for their fuel. The state’s tax is now 28.4 cents per gallon for regular gasoline and 29.6 cents for diesel. It will rise by 1.1 cent per gallon for both. The increase is based on CPI indexing.

According to the state’s congressional leaders, the roads are deteriorating in Maine at an alarming rate. The additional tax revenue will help to pay for necessary repairs. Another raise will address suspended drivers’ licenses and registrations. Those who would like to reinstate their license or registration will now have to pay $50- up from $35.

The Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap says that this change will also be an incentive for drivers to behave safely and retain their driving privileges. These changes had been proposed previously, but had been put down by legislators.