January 31st 2026

California Assembly Bill 1421

I asked Grok when the California Milage or Road Usuage Tax projected to go into effect?

Grok Replied:

The California mileage tax—often referred to as a “road usage charge” (RUC) or vehicle miles traveled (VMT) fee—has not been enacted or scheduled for implementation as of early 2026. It remains in the research, pilot, and study phase, with no projected go-live date for a mandatory statewide program.

Key details from recent developments:

– California has conducted multiple pilot programs since around 2014–2016 (and more recently, including one concluding around 2025 with hypothetical rates like 2.5 cents per mile tested).

– The official state site (caroadcharge.com, run by Caltrans) describes it as ongoing research into a potential future replacement for the gas tax, especially as electric and fuel-efficient vehicles reduce gas tax revenue. Rates remain hypothetical and would require legislative approval to set and implement.

– Assembly Bill 1421 (advanced in the Assembly in late January 2026 and extended in various forms) primarily extends the Road Usage Charge Technical Advisory Committee until January 1, 2035, and requires a report with research and recommendations by January 1, 2027. This bill focuses on further study (e.g., equity, rates, collection methods, impacts on EVs/commercial vehicles) rather than enacting the tax itself.

– Sources (including Forbes, NY Post, local news like ABC10 and YourCentralValley, and Reform California) consistently describe the effort as still exploratory or in planning, with critics noting over a decade of pilots without rollout. No legislation has set an implementation date; any future tax would need separate approval from the California Legislature and likely the Governor.

– Some opinion pieces and advocacy (e.g., from Reform California) warn of potential future costs (e.g., 2–9 cents per mile), but these are estimates based on concepts, not confirmed policy.

In short, there is no current projected effective date for the mileage tax to go into effect—it’s still under study, and implementation remains uncertain and subject to future legislative action. For the latest official status, check Caltrans’ road charge program page or the California Legislature’s bill tracking for AB 1421 or related measures.

===Grok