Government would not know where you drove, just how many miles you drove. My point about a mileage tax is that the people who use the roads the most will pay the most for the roads.

The current system is grossly unfair to "the poor." Generally speaking, "the poor" can't afford new vehicles so they drive older, less fuel efficient vehicles, which results in them paying more fuel tax. Also, generally speaking, "the poor" do less driving than "the rich" because they can't afford to go as many places.

Concerning vehicle inspections, I believe that any vehicle on the road should have functioning headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Beyond that, it is not the government's place to determine whether or not my vehicle's check engine light is on - in spite of what the politicians in Albany, NY might say. My state did away with yearly inspections a few years ago. While I understand that it can be expensive to keep a vehicle in safe operating condition, it is also imperative that at least a basic level of safety be maintained. The church where I serve has, on occasion, paid for repairs on a "poor person's" vehicle so that they could safely travel to and from work in order to help them become self sufficient.

Yes, it is tough being poor. Been there, done that, had the t-shirt to prove it. But I never knowingly put an unsafe vehicle on the road. Were they all in mint perfect condition? No. They had rust, dents, dings, and sometimes tires that would not quite pass the penny test but they were safe enough to not endanger other motorists.

Whether you agree with a mileage tax or not there must be a better way than the current system.