1/13/03-The Legislature is now in session, and a group called the Business Alliance for Transportation is pitching a plan to Republican Gov.-elect Mark Sanford and state lawmakers to increase drivers' taxes and fees to generate $325 million a year. The group wants truckers to chip in 5 cents more per gallon on diesel, while other motorists would add 8 cents per gallon for gasoline. Drivers currently pay 16 cents per gallon state tax on diesel and gasoline.
There's no bill yet, but under the proposal, a new $300 flat "safety fee" would also be charged on a new-vehicle purchase and a $75 fee would be charged on a used-vehicle purchase. In addition, two-year registration fees would increase from $24 to $35, and five-year driver's license fees would double to $25.