Weight-based motor vehicle tax

Re:Weight-based motor vehicle tax by giantg2 on Wednesday August 30, 2023 @01:01PM (#37325201)

Just be aware that the 4th power law is a rule of thumb that would also need the same same total contact surface and equal distribution to be useful. Eg, if you have 4 narrow tires vs 4 wide tires, vs 18 tires. I suspect that there is also some floor to the minimum weight required to do any measurable damage depending on the material and also on the natural timeliness for repair due to environmental factors like freeze thaw.

Yes, semis would have much higher taxes under that scheme. We also have to acknowledge that would be a largely regressive tax given that's they way most basic goods are transported and the cost would be passed on to consumers equally, most of which are less than wealthy.

Edit: why disagree?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Weight-based motor vehicle tax by Ensorceled on Wednesday August 30, 2023 @01:44PM (#37325950)

I think you are being downvoted for the "well actually" first paragraph.

Also, the point of these specific types of regressive taxes is to change behaviour ... e.g. back to trains from cross state/country trucking

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Weight-based motor vehicle tax by giantg2 on Wednesday August 30, 2023 @02:37PM (#37326800)

I was just pointing out that we need to understand the rule to effectively and intelligently apply it.

Usually you want progressive taxation - where the burden falls on those with more money. Regressive taxation doesn't mean changing behavior back, but rather where the burden of the tax falls.

[ Parent | on HN ]