The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is set to launch the Hawaiʻi Road Usage Charge (HiRUC) program for electric vehicles (EVs) starting July 1. This initiative follows a three-year research and demonstration project funded federally, alongside authorizing legislation passed in 2023.
From July 1 onwards, EV owners renewing their vehicle registrations will have two options: a state per-mile road usage charge (RUC) of $8 per 1,000 miles, capped at $50, or a flat annual RUC of $50. These options replace the existing $50 EV registration surcharge. By 2028, the per-mile RUC will become mandatory for EVs and by 2033, it will apply to all light-duty vehicles.
“Instead of paying based on what type of car you drive – or can afford – a road usage charge means vehicle owners will pay only for how much they actually drive. It’s a much fairer way for everyone to contribute to keeping our roads and bridges safe and operable,” said Ed Sniffen, Director of the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation. “We are starting initially with EVs and aim to phase all light-duty passenger vehicles into the program by 2033.”
As more drivers opt for fuel-efficient or electric vehicles in Hawaiʻi, revenue from motor fuel taxes has decreased, affecting funding for road maintenance. The HiRUC aims to secure sustainable transportation funding.
“EV drivers have long led our journey to a sustainable transportation future. As we move away from gas vehicles, we must modernize how we fund our roadways and bridges,” said Noel Morin, President of the Hawaiʻi EV Association. “The Hawaiʻi Road Usage Charge is a fair and forward-looking solution that ensures everyone contributes to the infrastructure we all rely on.”
The registration renewal process remains largely unchanged except that vehicle odometers will be photographed during safety inspections. EV owners can choose between the per-mile RUC and flat annual RUC via their renewal notices. The HiRUC Program’s RUC Estimator can assist in deciding which option suits them best.
Renewals can be processed through existing methods via each county’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), including online services, kiosks, mail, or in-person visits.
For further details on the program, visit https://www.hiruc.org or access a quick guide at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-MEDIA-HiRUC-Fact-Sheet.pdf
