Some state leaders are exploring a way to tax California drivers, not by the gasoline you buy, but by how many miles you drive. It's an idea that's continuing to work it's way through the state capital. But will it fly?

The high cost of filling up has many people turning to cars with better gas mileage. But fewer fill ups for the same miles driven means wear and tear on our roads that isn't being matched by state fuel taxes.

State road repair funds are losing money a loss of eight percent between 1998 to today alone. One answer is to replace the per gallon gas tax with a mileage tax, charging you for every mile you drive.

“I don't see any need for a change," said one driver we poke to.

"I think anything I can do to contribute to make our roads better, I don't mind doing it," said another.

Under the plan, the state's current 18 cent a gallon gas tax would be replaced with a tax on every mile you drive. Global positioning satellites and sensors on your car would keep tabs on exactly where and how far you travel.

Privacy advocates say tracking drivers would be like big brother sitting in the back seat of your car, keeping tabs on everywhere you go. Others say it's a disincentive for people to buy hybrids and other more fuel efficient vehicles because any current tax savings would be eliminated.

Count Adam Johnson among business owners who don't like that at all.

"I drive 30,000 miles a year because of my business cleaning pools all day long. I'm on the road and that would hurt me more than help me."

“I think that's a little bit of an invasion of privacy.”

The idea has not been endorsed by Governor Schwarzenegger, but the head of the Department of Motor Vehicles likes the mileage tax proposal.

Any changes would have to be first approved by the state legislature.