As of January 1, 2023, a Highway Use Fee will be imposed on certain carriers for the privilege of operating, or causing to be operated, certain heavy, multi-unit motor vehicles on any highway (i.e., public road) in Connecticut.

The Highway Use Fee is applicable to any person that operates or causes to be operated on any highway in Connecticut any eligible motor vehicle. An eligible motor vehicle has a gross weight of twenty-six thousand pounds or more and carries a classification between Class 8 and Class 13, inclusive, under the Federal Highway Administration vehicle classification system must register for a Highway Use Fee Permit, state officials say.

The Highway Use Fee is applicable to calendar months beginning on or after January 1, 2023. The first Highway Use Fee Return is due on or before February 28, 2023.

Certain carriers will be required to register with DRS for the Highway Use Fee by January 1, 2023. After registering, a Highway Use Fee Permit will be available in myconneCT.

See Taxpayer Services Special Bulletin 2022-7, Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Highway Use Fee.

In addition, DRS has established a dedicated telephone number for questions related to the Highway Use Fee that is available Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., at 860-297-5677.

Tax reports must be filed monthly and must include: VIN, registration plate, country, state/province, total miles driven in Connecticut, GVW of vehicle. If the vehicle is fully loaded and meets a class of 80,000 lbs or above initially but after unloading during a multi-stop trip falls to a lower class, the remainder of the trip will be taxed at the lower rate.

The tax rates are as follows:

2.5 cents per mile for GVW of 26,000 to 28,000
with a graduating scale up to 17.5 cents per mile for GVW greater than 80,000.

Reports are due at the end of the following month (i.e. January is due February 28) and there are penalties for late or incomplete filings as well as failures to file. 

More information is available here: https://portal.ct.gov/DRS/Businesses/Highway-Use-Fee/HUF