San Francisco drivers may soon be paying taxes for how far they drive rather than how much gas they use. According to The Associated Press, the local government is determining the effectiveness of taxing motorists per mile driven rather than by gas consumption. To measure mileage, odometer-like equipment will need to be installed in personal vehicles. Drivers may be charged anywhere from less than a penny to 10 cents per mile, the news source reports.

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Association of Bay Area Governments have decided to take this approach as an answer to the improving fuel economy, according to The Associated Press. They are also hoping this taxation may reduce congestion and vehicle emission pollutants by encouraging drivers to drive more frugally.

"The last thing we're interested in is where you go and what you do," Commission spokesman Randy Rentschler told the AP. "What we're trying to do is get people to figure out a way to raise revenue that they could support."

San Francisco is not the first city to consider this taxation method, and it may not be the last. The Jacksonville Business Journal reports Florida officials are thinking about a similar tax, in which drivers will be required to report their mileage when they renew their registrations. Being taxed per mile can encourage drivers to think more about how much they're getting behind the wheel.

Drivers can counterbalance these potential taxes by driving vehicles with excellent fuel economy. There are many fuel efficient models for drivers to choose from at NJ Auto Auction. Plus, every car is CARFAX certified, so buyers know they'll be driving away in a reliable ride.