[lotsofpulp]

Why is it “punitive” taxes? If they are performing sufficiently productive work with the giant pickup, then they will be able to pass down the cost to their customers.

The purpose of the tax is to dissuade frivolous use that harms society at large. If the use is valuable enough, it will be reflected in the prices of the services it helps provide.

[tomcam]

Taxes by their nature tend to inhibit the thing being taxed. This is why every state in the USA has heavy liquor taxes, and it’s why places like New York City and Seattle tax soft drinks extra.

The taxes you are proposing are literally designed to inhibit people from buying the vehicles they want.

[lotsofpulp]

FYI, NYC does not have a soft drinks or any sweetened drinks tax.

Yes, the tax is supposed to dissuade people, but obviously if you are paying $5 per mile in tax to use the pickup truck, but earn $20 per mile profit from the work accomplished using it, people will still be able to buy and use the truck for a productive purpose.