Certain vehicles, including golf carts, electric motorcycles, and those from 1990 or older, will be exempt from the RUC.

Some EV owners have expressed confusion regarding the necessity of the fee, questioning its effectiveness in addressing historical road maintenance issues.

Starting April 1, 2025, Pennsylvania will implement a Road User Charge (RUC) for electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) to fund road and bridge maintenance.

Forms detailing the new fees will be sent out by PennDOT to those affected, ensuring they are informed of their obligations.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) emphasizes that the RUC is necessary because EVs do not contribute to the gasoline tax, which is the primary funding source for transportation infrastructure.

This new law, enacted in 2024, aims to ensure that EV and PHEV owners contribute to road maintenance costs, similar to gas-powered vehicle drivers who pay gas taxes.

The RUC replaces the previous Alternative Fuels Tax for EVs and PHEVs under 14,000 pounds, simplifying the payment process and eliminating the need for tracking electricity usage.

In 2025, EV owners will pay $200 for one year or $400 for two years, while PHEV owners will pay $50 for one year or $100 for two years; these fees will increase in 2026.

PennDOT will notify affected vehicle owners by mail about the new fees, which must be paid within 30 days to renew vehicle registration in future cycles.

An online payment system for the RUC is expected to be launched by PennDOT in August 2025, with monthly payment options available starting July 2026.

The RUC will apply to vehicle registrations that expire after May 2025, with details provided by PennDOT through mailed forms.

Initially, the fee will be paid separately from vehicle registration, but it will later be required for registration renewal.