Connecticut Weight-Distance Tax

How the Connecticut weight-distance tax works

Connecticut has charged a per-mile Highway Use Fee since January 1, 2023 (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-493a). It hits trucks 26,000 lb or more in FHWA Class 8-13, from 2.5 cents/mile up to 17.5 cents/mile over 80,000 lb. Register once with CT DRS on myconneCT for a HUF permit, then file quarterly, even a zero-mile quarter. IFTA and your 2290 do not cover this.

What you have to do before you drive

• Applies at: Gross weight of 26,000 lb or more, and the truck must fall in FHWA Class 8 through 13. Below 26,000 lb, or a body outside Class 8-13, and you are out.
• Rate: Per mile, graduated by weight: 2.5 cents/mile at 26,000-28,000 lb, rising through the brackets to 17.5 cents/mile over 80,000 lb. You multiply the bracket rate by your Connecticut miles for the quarter.
• Register: A one-time Highway Use Fee permit from CT DRS. Apply on the myconneCT online portal before you enter the state. The permit must exist before you cross the line, in-state or out-of-state carrier, loaded or empty.
• Filing: Quarterly with CT DRS (moved from monthly on Oct 1, 2023). Return due the last day of the month after the quarter ends. File every quarter even with zero Connecticut miles.

Running without it

Run without a HUF permit and you can be fined $1,000 for knowingly violating the law. A late or short return costs 10% of the unpaid fee or $50, whichever is greater, plus 1% per month interest (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-493a).

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