TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey drivers are starting 2025 with increased costs as gas taxes and highway tolls rise, adding to the expense of daily commutes across the state.
The New Jersey Department of the Treasury announced a 2.6-cent per gallon hike in the state’s gas tax, bringing the total tax to 44.9 cents per gallon for gasoline and 51.9 cents per gallon for diesel. This increase is part of a law passed in 2024 that mandates gradual adjustments to the state’s Highway Fuel Cap from Fiscal Year 2025 through 2029. The additional revenue will go toward the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF), which finances road, bridge, and rail infrastructure projects across the state.
In tandem with the gas tax hike, tolls on the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Atlantic City Expressway have increased by 3%, adding an average of 16 cents per trip for many drivers. This marks the fourth toll increase on major state highways since 2020, reflecting ongoing efforts to sustain infrastructure investments.
The simultaneous increases in gas taxes and tolls are expected to impact motorists, particularly commuters who regularly use the state’s highways or travel into neighboring states. New Jersey, which already has some of the highest gas taxes in the nation, has seen mixed reactions from residents. Some have expressed frustration over the rising costs, questioning whether the funds are being used efficiently, while others are calling for greater accountability in how transportation revenues are managed.
The adjustments come amid broader national trends where states are relying on local taxes and fees to address growing infrastructure needs as federal support declines. Governor Phil Murphy’s administration has defended the tax and toll increases as necessary to maintain and modernize the state’s transportation network, citing long-term benefits despite the immediate financial strain on drivers.
With both the gas tax and toll hikes now in effect, residents are voicing concerns on social media. One commenter on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Paying more at the pump and for tolls, yet potholes are still everywhere,” while others called for improved road maintenance and transparency in TTF spending.
As motorists navigate the higher costs, questions remain about the sustainability of relying on fuel taxes and toll increases to fund infrastructure projects. For now, New Jersey drivers will need to adapt to the rising expenses of keeping the state’s transportation system running.
