WAUWATOSA, Wis. — More than 40 Wisconsin communities and 13 counties have wheel taxes, and more are adopting them.

These taxes are tacked onto vehicle registration fees to pay traffic calming projects and road maintenance.

What You Need To Know

  • More than 40 Wisconsin communities and 13 counties have wheel taxes, and more are adopting them. These are tacked onto vehicle registration fees to pay traffic calming projects and road maintenance

  • Wauwatosa recently built bump outs on N. 90th and North Avenue to reduce reckless driving. They hope to do more similar projects with the wheel tax

  • The Wauwatosa Common Council will vote on the proposal on Nov. 19.

  • In Sun Prairie, the wheel tax adds $30 to vehicle registration fees and is expected to generate more than $950,000. It goes into effect in February

One city considering this fee is Wauwatosa, where it would be $15.

They recently built bump outs on N 90th and North Avenue to reduce reckless driving. They hope to do more similar projects with the wheel tax.

The city proposed the wheel tax after a recent community survey.

Residents who filled the survey out said reckless driving and road maintenance were some of their top concerns.

Harry Halloran lives in Wauwatosa. He said reckless driving is something he barely sees.

“Not a lot, but it does occur and unfortunately there is a need for it and the city needs to address that,” said Halloran.

While Wauwatosa is still considering a wheel tax, Sun Prairie already has one.

Communications and Diversity Strategist Jake King said their goal was to create a more reliable revenue stream for transportations projects and enhancements.

In Sun Prairie, the wheel tax adds $30 to vehicle registration fees and is expected to generate more than $950,000. It goes into effect in February.

“That amount is what city leadership felt comfortable with moving forward with and that number can change throughout the year but through strategic planning sessions in deciding what the revenue for some of those transportation related projects that’s kinda where they landed,” said King.

In Wauwatosa, there will be meetings on Oct. 1, 8, 15 and 29 for residents to comment on the wheel tax before there is a final decision.

The Common Council will vote on the proposal on November 19th at 6:30 p.m.

“It’s too bad that they have to impose this kind of tax to be able to have the budget for the roads,” said Halloran.

While Halloran is not excited about the possible extra fee, he said he just hopes his city can continue to provide high-quality services.