California’s gas tax becomes highest in the U.S.

Drivers in California will be paying the highest gas tax in the country starting July 1, when an increase of 5.6 cents per gallon is set to go into effect.

The increase is linked to legislation passed in 2017, which paved the way for the gas tax to rise in November by 12 cents and again on July 1. The legislation also included an annual adjustment to the gas tax based on the cost of living.

According to San Diego Tax Fighters, the increase is meant to help fund road maintenance and rehabilitation.

The gas tax increase comes the same week the American Automobile Association projects a record number of Californians will hit the road for the Fourth of July holiday. More than 4 million people in California are expected to take a trip by vehicle this upcoming week.

Even before the July 1 increase, Californians were already paying about a dollar over the national average for gas.

AAA reports the national average on June 30 was $2.71, compared to California’s average of $3.75.