The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation implemented its Hawaiʻi Road Usage Charge (HiRUC) program for light-duty passenger electric vehicles (EVs) yesterday, following a federally funded, three-year research and demonstration project, as well as 2023 authorizing legislation.

On the next registration renewal received after July 1, eligible EV owners will have the option to pay a state per-mile road usage charge (RUC) of $8 per 1,000 miles, capped at $50, or a state flat annual state RUC of $50. Both options replace the state’s current $50 EV registration surcharge. By 2028, the state per-mile RUC will become mandatory for EVs, and by 2033, the program is expected to expand to all light-duty vehicles.

The registration renewal process will be nearly identical as to what it was. The primary difference will be that all vehicle odometers will be photographed at their next periodic motor vehicle safety inspections, or safety checks.

Eligible EV owners renewing their vehicle registrations will see the choice between the state per-mile RUC and the flat annual RUC on their annual vehicle registration renewal notices. .

Vehicle registration renewal can be completed using any existing renewal method through each county’s Department of Motor Vehicles.