Gas Taxes Rise Even Higher in California

Get out while you can

Just in time for the Fourth of July, a new hike in the California gas tax is kicking in Monday.

Prices are going up 3.5 cents. California drivers were already paying 36 cents a gallon in state taxes, but the hike means drivers will pay 39.5 cents. Including the other local, state and federal taxes, California drivers will be paying 72 cents in taxes on each gallon alone, making for the highest prices in the nation.

The tax hike also includes diesel fuel.

With cars becoming more fuel efficient, the California Board of Equilization voted in February to raise the gas tax to make up for the loss in the tax revenue.