California Gas Tax Hike Goes Into Effect; Now Highest In Nation

SACRAMENTO (CBS/AP) -- Starting this week California drivers are spending more to fill up at the pump.

A 3.5-cents-per-gallon tax hike went into effect Monday.

The increase was approved by the state Board of Equalization in February, in order to make up for tax revenue shortfalls in past years.

The tax hike gives the Golden State the highest gas tax in the nation, at 71.9 cents per gallon.

The increase is calculated to add $26.25 more a year for a person who drives 15,000 miles and gets 20 miles per gallon.

Statewide, the average price of a gallon of gas on Saturday was $4.01.