Connecticut Truck Tolls 2025: Highway User Fee & Toll History Guide
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Connecticut Truck Tolls 2025 Complete Guide
System: NO toll roads - Highway User Fee (mileage-based tax) for commercial vehicles
Coverage: State-wide mileage tax on trucks 26,000+ lbs (Classes 8-13)
Currency: US Dollar (USD) - cents per mile
Technology: Self-reported mileage, quarterly electronic filing
Department: Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS)
Does Connecticut Have Truck Tolls? 2025 Update
No, Connecticut does not have truck tolls or any toll roads. However, Connecticut charges a Highway User Fee (HUF) - a mileage-based tax on commercial trucks weighing 26,000 pounds or more that began January 1, 2023.
Key Reality: While Connecticut removed all toll roads in 1983 and has no toll gantries, truck operators still pay substantial fees through the Highway User Fee system - ranging from 2.5¢ to 17.5¢ per mile based on vehicle weight.
2025 Update: The Highway User Fee remains Connecticut's alternative to truck tolls, generating approximately $90 million annually. Political proposals for electronic toll gantries have been shelved indefinitely, with the state focusing on the mileage-based fee system instead.
Connecticut Highway User Fee: Current Rates
Connecticut's Highway User Fee applies to commercial vehicles weighing 26,000 pounds or more (Federal Highway Administration Classes 8-13) and is calculated based on vehicle weight and miles driven within Connecticut.
Highway User Fee Rates by Weight Class (2025)
| Vehicle Weight | Federal Class | Rate per Mile | Example: 100 Miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26,000 - 28,000 lbs | Class 8 | 2.5¢ | $2.50 |
| 28,001 - 33,000 lbs | Class 8 | 5.0¢ | $5.00 |
| 33,001 - 40,000 lbs | Classes 8-9 | 7.5¢ | $7.50 |
| 40,001 - 55,000 lbs | Classes 9-10 | 10.0¢ | $10.00 |
| 55,001 - 80,000 lbs | Classes 10-12 | 15.0¢ | $15.00 |
| 80,001+ lbs | Classes 12-13 | 17.5¢ | $17.50 |
Exempt Vehicles
- Passenger vehicles: All cars, SUVs, pickup trucks under 26,000 lbs
- Milk/dairy vehicles: Trucks transporting milk or dairy products to/from licensed dairy farms
- Emergency vehicles: Police, fire, ambulance, government vehicles
- Military vehicles: National Guard and military equipment
How to Comply with Connecticut Highway User Fee
Commercial vehicle operators must follow specific registration and reporting requirements for the Highway User Fee:
1. Registration Requirements:
- Register online at myconneCT portal before operating in Connecticut
- Obtain Highway User Fee Permit from Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
- Place copy of permit in each eligible vehicle operating in Connecticut
- Registration required even if not regularly operating in Connecticut
2. Reporting and Payment (Quarterly since Q4 2023):
- File quarterly returns through myconneCT online system
- Report miles driven in Connecticut for each vehicle by weight class
- Due dates: January 31, April 30, July 31, October 31
- Must file returns even if no Connecticut travel occurred
3. Record Keeping Requirements:
- Maintain detailed mileage logs for all Connecticut travel
- Keep receipts, invoices, and supporting documentation
- Monthly vehicle lists showing which trucks operated in Connecticut
- Records must support quarterly filings and be available for audit
Connecticut Toll History and Political Context
Historical Toll Roads (Removed 1983):
- Connecticut Turnpike (I-95): Had toll plazas from 1958-1983
- Merritt Parkway and Wilbur Cross Parkway: Limited toll sections until mid-1980s
- Removal triggered by 1983 accident at Stratford toll plaza that killed 7 people
- "Banish All Tolls" grassroots organization successfully lobbied for removal
Recent Toll Proposals (2018-2020):
- Governor Ned Lamont proposed truck-only tolls in 2018-2019
- CT2030 plan called for 82 toll gantries generating $1 billion annually
- Proposed truck rates: 17.6¢-47.3¢ per mile depending on residency and E-ZPass
- Legislative opposition and constitutional concerns led to proposal abandonment
Why Highway User Fee Instead of Tolls:
- Avoids federal interstate commerce challenges faced by Rhode Island truck-only tolls
- Lower administrative costs than toll gantry infrastructure ($372 million estimated)
- Generates revenue without constitutional equal protection concerns
- Maintains Connecticut's reputation as a toll-free travel corridor
Recent Changes (2025)
Reporting Frequency Change (2023):
- Changed from monthly to quarterly reporting effective Q4 2023
- Reduced administrative burden on carriers
- Same rates and requirements, simplified filing schedule
Revenue Performance:
- Generated $45 million in fiscal 2023 (first year)
- Expected $90 million annually in mature operation
- Funds directed to Special Transportation Fund for infrastructure
Toll Scam Alert:
- Ongoing smishing scams claim unpaid Connecticut tolls
- Connecticut has no toll roads - all such communications are fraudulent
- Report toll scams to FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
Planning Your Journey Through Connecticut
Cost Considerations for Trucks:
- Hartford to New York (108 miles): $2.70-$18.90 depending on truck weight
- New Haven to Springfield (62 miles): $1.55-$10.85 depending on truck weight
- Cross-state I-84 (108 miles): $2.70-$18.90 for full crossing
- No tolls for passenger vehicles anywhere in Connecticut
Border State Toll Alerts:
- New York: Extensive toll system including truck tolls on Thruway
- Massachusetts: Mass Pike tolls begin immediately at Connecticut border
- Rhode Island: I-95 truck-only tolls (currently under legal challenge)
Major Interstate Routes (All Toll-Free for Cars):
- I-95: Connecticut Turnpike (toll-free but HUF applies to trucks)
- I-84: Cross-state east-west route (toll-free but HUF applies to trucks)
- I-91: North-south through Hartford (toll-free but HUF applies to trucks)
- Route 15: Merritt Parkway (toll-free, commercial vehicles prohibited)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Connecticut have truck tolls?
No, Connecticut has no toll roads or toll gantries. However, trucks weighing 26,000+ pounds must pay a Highway User Fee ranging from 2.5¢ to 17.5¢ per mile based on weight and Connecticut mileage driven.
Will Connecticut bring back tolls?
Unlikely in the near term. Governor Lamont's toll proposals were shelved due to legislative opposition and constitutional concerns. The Highway User Fee serves as Connecticut's alternative approach to collecting truck revenue without toll infrastructure.
Do I need E-ZPass or other transponders for Connecticut?
No, Connecticut has no toll gantries requiring transponders. However, if you're traveling to neighboring New York, Massachusetts, or Rhode Island, you'll benefit from E-ZPass for toll savings in those states.
How is the Highway User Fee different from tolls?
The HUF is a self-reported mileage tax filed quarterly, not collected at toll gantries. Carriers track their own Connecticut mileage and pay based on vehicle weight classes, avoiding infrastructure costs and traffic disruption of traditional tolls.
What happens if I don't register for the Highway User Fee?
Operating an eligible vehicle in Connecticut without a HUF permit is unlawful. Penalties include fines, back taxes, interest, and potential enforcement action by Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.
Connecticut vs. Neighboring States
| State | Truck Toll System | Typical Truck Cost | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | Highway User Fee (no tolls) | 2.5¢-17.5¢/mile | Quarterly self-reporting |
| New York | E-ZPass toll gantries | $0.06-0.15/mile + facility tolls | Electronic transponder |
| Massachusetts | E-ZPass toll gantries | $0.08-0.30/mile | Electronic transponder |
| Rhode Island | Truck-only toll gantries | $3.25-8.00 per gantry | Electronic/license plate |
Useful Links & Resources
Official Connecticut Resources:
- Connecticut Department of Revenue Services: (860) 297-5962
- Highway User Fee Registration: portal.ct.gov/DRS/Businesses/Highway-Use-Fee
- myconneCT Online Filing Portal: myconnect.ct.gov
- Connecticut DOT: (860) 594-2000
Permit Services:
- Third-party permit services available for quarterly filing assistance
- IFTA and motor carrier road tax often bundled with HUF services
- Professional mileage tracking and compliance management options
