Rockland County to Cap Gasoline Sales Tax Beginning June 1
Rockland County residents will soon see modest relief at the gas pump as a county gasoline sales tax cap takes effect beginning June 1, 2026.
County Executive Ed Day and Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. announced that the county’s 4% sales tax on gasoline will apply only to the first $3 per gallon rather than the full retail price through March 1, 2027. The move comes as fuel prices continue to climb, with AAA reporting that average gas prices in Rockland County are approaching $5 per gallon.
Under this measure, drivers could save approximately $1.60 per fill up when gasoline reaches $5 per gallon. County officials said the action is intended to provide some financial relief to residents facing continued inflationary pressures and rising living costs.
“When prices rise, government’s role is to provide relief, not profit,” County Executive Ed Day said in a statement announcing the measure. “This move delivers immediate, albeit modest, savings and is one part of our ongoing work to reduce costs and protect residents’ budgets.”
Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. added that the cap prevents residents from paying additional county sales tax simply because fuel prices have surged.
The measure was unanimously approved by the Rockland County Legislature and signed by the County Executive. Legislator Beth Davidson, who sponsored the resolution, said the tax cap is designed to provide financial breathing room for working families, commuters, and seniors navigating higher everyday expenses.
The cap applies only to the county portion of the sales tax. State fuel taxes and Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District assessments will remain unchanged.
Rockland County previously implemented a similar gasoline sales tax cap in 2022 during the post pandemic economic recovery period when fuel prices sharply increased nationwide.
The County’s Office of Consumer Protection has already issued notices to local gas stations regarding the cap and plans to conduct follow-up visits to ensure compliance once the measure takes effect.
For many Hudson Valley residents, where commuting remains a significant part of daily life, even small savings at the pump could help offset broader affordability pressures affecting household budgets across the region.
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