Connecticut Highway Use Fee (HUF): what it is, who pays, and how to file
By TruePermitReviewed by the TruePermit compliance teamUpdated
The Connecticut Highway Use Fee (HUF) is a per-mile fee on heavy commercial trucks — generally those of 26,000 pounds and up — for operating on Connecticut's highways. The rate is tiered by weight and rises for the heaviest trucks. Affected carriers register for a HUF permit, then report Connecticut miles and pay the fee each month.
What is the Connecticut Highway Use Fee?
The Highway Use Fee is administered by the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services. It applies to eligible heavy motor vehicles — those of 26,000 pounds and up (carrier classifications 8 through 13) — operating on Connecticut public roads. Carriers register for a HUF permit, then report their Connecticut miles and pay a per-mile fee that increases with the vehicle's weight.
Who has to pay the Highway Use Fee?
Any carrier operating an eligible vehicle of 26,000 pounds or more on Connecticut highways owes the fee — whether based in Connecticut or passing through. It is separate from IFTA and IRP; those credentials do not cover the Highway Use Fee.
How is the fee calculated?
The fee is your Connecticut miles multiplied by a per-mile rate that is tiered by gross weight — heavier vehicles pay a higher rate, with the top tier for trucks over 80,000 pounds. Because the published rate tiers change, this guide does not quote specific figures — confirm the current tiers with the Department of Revenue Services and apply the rate for your weight to your Connecticut miles.
How and when do you file?
Highway Use Fee returns are filed monthly. Register for the HUF permit before operating, report Connecticut miles by vehicle, and keep your mileage source records — trip reports, GPS/IFTA mileage, odometer logs — because the fee is auditable.
How does it interact with IFTA?
The Highway Use Fee is a distinct, additional obligation from IFTA. You track Connecticut miles for your IFTA fuel-tax return and separately pay the Highway Use Fee on those same miles. They are filed separately, on different schedules.
What happens if you don't pay?
Operating without registering, or filing late, draws penalties and interest, and continued non-compliance can jeopardize your ability to run in Connecticut. Underreported miles surface later as audit assessments plus penalties.
How it compares to other state mileage taxes
| State | Program | Applies over | Filing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | Weight-Mile Tax | Over 26,000 lbs | Monthly (quarterly option) |
| New York | Highway Use Tax | Over 18,000 lbs gross weight | Quarterly |
| Kentucky | Weight Distance Tax | 60,000 lbs and over | Quarterly |
| New Mexico | Weight Distance Tax | Over 26,000 lbs | Quarterly |
| ConnecticutThis guide | Highway Use Fee | 26,000 lbs and over (Class 8–13) | Monthly |
TruePermit computes your state mileage taxes for you
Pro reconciles your per-state miles against your odometers and computes the Connecticut Highway Use Fee — alongside Oregon Weight-Mile, NY HUT, KYU, and NM WDT — on each state's official rate schedule, so you file numbers you can stand behind. Free for one truck to start.
Start freeThis guide is general information for compliance planning — not legal or tax advice. Rates and rules change; verify against the CT Department of Revenue Services before filing.