Road Tax (Motor Vehicle Tax) is a mandatory tax paid to the state government for using vehicles on public roads. It's collected at the time of vehicle registration and varies based on vehicle type, engine capacity, fuel type, and state.
This comprehensive guide explains how to pay road tax online, calculate your tax amount, understand state-wise rates, and learn about tax exemptions.
What is Road Tax?
Road Tax (also called Motor Vehicle Tax) is:
- Tax paid to state government for road usage
- Collected during vehicle registration
- Used for road construction and maintenance
- Varies by state, vehicle type, and specifications
- Can be paid as one-time (lifetime) or annual tax
Types of Road Tax
| Tax Type | Description | Applicable For |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime Tax | One-time payment for vehicle's lifetime | Private vehicles |
| Annual Tax | Paid every year | Commercial vehicles |
| Quarterly Tax | Paid every 3 months | Some transport vehicles |
| Green Tax | Additional tax for old vehicles | Vehicles older than 8-15 years |
Factors Affecting Road Tax
- Vehicle Type: Two-wheeler, Four-wheeler, Commercial
- Engine Capacity: CC (Cubic Capacity)
- Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel, CNG, Electric
- Vehicle Age: New or old vehicle
- Seating Capacity: For passenger vehicles
- Vehicle Cost: Ex-showroom price
- State: Varies significantly by state
- Purpose: Private or commercial use
Road Tax Calculation (Approximate)
| Vehicle Type | Tax Range |
|---|---|
| Two Wheeler (up to 100cc) | 4% - 8% of vehicle cost |
| Two Wheeler (above 100cc) | 6% - 12% of vehicle cost |
| Car (Petrol, up to 1000cc) | 6% - 10% of vehicle cost |
| Car (Petrol, 1000-1500cc) | 8% - 12% of vehicle cost |
| Car (Diesel) | +1-2% additional |
| Electric Vehicle | 0% - 4% (exemption in many states) |
| Commercial Vehicle | Based on GVW/seating |
Note: Rates vary significantly by state. Check your state's specific rates.
How to Pay Road Tax Online
Step 1: Visit Vahan Portal
- Go to vahan.parivahan.gov.in
- Select your state
- Click on "Pay Your Tax"
Step 2: Enter Vehicle Details
- Enter vehicle registration number
- Enter chassis number (last 5 digits)
- Click "Verify"
- Vehicle details and tax due will display
Step 3: Review Tax Amount
- Check pending tax amount
- Check any late fees or penalty
- Review total payable amount
Step 4: Make Payment
- Select payment method (Net Banking/Card/UPI)
- Complete payment
- Download receipt
- Receipt is updated in Vahan database
State-wise Road Tax Rates (Private Cars)
| State | Tax Rate (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Delhi | 4% - 12.5% (based on cost) |
| Maharashtra | 7% - 14% (based on cost) |
| Karnataka | 13% - 18% (based on cost) |
| Tamil Nadu | 5% - 15% (based on cost) |
| Uttar Pradesh | 8% - 10% |
| Gujarat | 6% - 12% |
| Rajasthan | 5% - 10% |
| West Bengal | 6% - 12% |
Road Tax Exemptions
- Electric Vehicles: Full or partial exemption in most states
- Disabled Persons: Exemption on specially modified vehicles
- Government Vehicles: Generally exempt
- Defence Vehicles: Exempt from road tax
- Emergency Vehicles: Ambulances, fire trucks
- Agricultural Vehicles: Tractors (in some states)
Green Tax (Pollution Tax)
Additional tax for older, polluting vehicles:
| Vehicle Age | Green Tax |
|---|---|
| Transport (8+ years old) | 10-25% of annual road tax |
| Private (15+ years old) | 10-25% during re-registration |
| Public Transport in Cities | Higher rates in metro cities |
BH Series Road Tax
Bharat (BH) series vehicles have special tax structure:
- Pay motor vehicle tax for 2 years
- No state-specific tax
- Valid across all India
- Renewal every 2 years (or 14 years)
- Based on vehicle cost slabs
Penalty for Non-Payment
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Late Payment | Interest on pending amount (varies by state) |
| Non-Payment | Fine + Back tax + Interest |
| Repeated Default | Vehicle seizure possible |
| Using vehicle with pending tax | ₹2,000 - ₹10,000 |
Check Road Tax Status Online
- Visit vahan.parivahan.gov.in
- Click on "Know Your Vehicle Details"
- Enter registration number
- Complete OTP verification
- View tax paid status and validity
Road Tax Refund
You may be eligible for refund in these cases:
- Vehicle scrapped/destroyed
- Vehicle moved to another state (partial refund)
- Vehicle theft (with FIR)
- Excess tax paid by mistake
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is road tax same across India?
No, road tax varies significantly by state. Each state has its own rates.
2. Can I pay road tax online?
Yes, road tax can be paid online through Vahan portal or state transport website.
3. What happens if I don't pay road tax?
You'll face penalty, interest on pending amount, and vehicle may be seized.
4. Is road tax refundable?
Partial refund may be available if vehicle is scrapped, stolen, or moved to another state.
5. Do electric vehicles pay road tax?
Most states offer full or partial exemption for EVs to promote green vehicles.
6. How often do I need to pay road tax?
Private vehicles usually pay lifetime tax once. Commercial vehicles pay annually.