ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Fuel taxes in the United States

Okay kiddo, so have you ever heard of gasoline and diesel? They are the fuels that we use to power our cars and trucks. Well, the government charges something called a "fuel tax" on gasoline and diesel throughout the U.S.A.

Now, why does the government do this? It's because the money they make from these taxes is used to build and maintain roads and highways that we all use to get around. Think of it like the money your parents give you to buy your toys, but instead, the government uses it for roads.

So, whenever we go to the gas station to fill up our cars with fuel, a part of the money we pay goes to the government as fuel tax.

But how much is this fuel tax? Well, it depends on where you live, and it can vary from state to state. Some states have higher fuel taxes than others, and it depends on what the state uses the money for, like building new roads or repairing damaged ones.

Overall, fuel taxes are a way for the U.S. government to make money for building and maintaining the roads we use every day. So, next time you see a pothole on the road, remember that your fuel tax money is being used to fix it!