Truckers in Nevada may soon pay more fuel tax

Truckers traveling in Nevada could soon be tapped for paying additional fuel taxes in rural counties and cities around the state. A portion of the revenue would be designated for truck parking.

In the lead-up to the 2019 regular session, Nevada state lawmakers are filing bills for consideration.

Two bills of note have been introduced by the Senate Revenue and Economic Development Committee. Both would increase the fuel tax rate.

The first bill – SB48 – would authorize county commissions in counties with fewer than 100,000 people to add a tax of up to 5 cents per gallon on diesel purchases. The second bill – SB61 – would authorize the creation of a city diesel fuel tax of up to 5 cents on diesel purchases.

SB48 would enable 15 of the state’s 17 counties to charge more at the pump. The other two counties – Clark and Washoe – already are permitted to collect extra tax on diesel. All other counties in the state can charge a nickel tax on gas.

Nevada’s fuel tax rate is set at 23 cents for gas and 27 cents for diesel.

SB48 would require the additional diesel revenue raised in rural counties to be used for local road construction and maintenance. SB61 would allot the new revenue for street and highway construction, maintenance and repair.

Both bills include a provision for eligible IFTA carriers to receive a reimbursement of the county tax consumed outside of Nevada.

Additionally, SB48 would allot a portion of tax collections for truck parking. Specifically, parking areas would be made available for trucks with a gross weight in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Advocates say additional truck parking would lead to greater economic development opportunities by attracting more truckers to spend money on such things as food, fuel, lodging, and gaming.

Paul Enos, CEO of the Nevada Trucking Association, Reno, previously stated that truck parking is a “huge issue” in the state. His group has noted that the legislation would create a dedicated revenue source for truck parking.

County commissions would need to pass an ordinance with two-thirds majority to implement the extra tax. Another option would be for a majority of voters to approve a question during a general election.

The bills await consideration during the session that begins on Feb. 4.