Published on June 30, 2025 2:38 pm
Last Updated on June 30, 2025 2:38 pm
Illinois drivers brace yourselves. The annual gas tax increase is about to kick in on Tuesday. The automatic Motor Fuel Tax increases to account for inflation.
Currently, Illinois residents pay the second-highest gas tax in the country, behind California. The gas tax is now 45 cents per gallon, but on Tuesday it will go up to 48.3 cents per gallon.
The average car holds between 12 and 16 gallons of gas, meaning drivers should expect to spend between .24 and .32 cents extra at the pump. The Motor Fuel Tax will account for a range of $5.76 and $7.68 in taxes per full tank of gas, on average. The tax on diesel fuel rises from 52 cents to 55.8 cents per gallon.
A new proposal in Springfield would change how Illinois funds its roads by charging drivers by the mile instead of a gas tax. The proposal, filed by Senator Ram Villivalam and Senator Christopher Belt, calls for starting a pilot program to study the effectiveness of charging drivers by the mile, something the state is considering due to the prevalence of more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles on Illinois roadways. Since fuel-efficient cars use less gasoline, fewer tax dollars will be available for road infrastructure.
Electric vehicle owners currently pay a $100 premium on their annual license plate sticker renewal to offset losses to the Illinois Motor Fuel Tax.
Oregon and Utah have already implemented similar programs, and five other states, including Pennsylvania and California, are considering it.
