What is the road tax for vehicles in Karnataka?

What is Road Tax?

Road tax is levied on cars, bikes, trucks and other vehicles. The State and other Union territories in India levy it. Road tax is imposed considering factors like the vehicle's engine or seating capacity. Road tax is different in each State and city.

Karnataka also has its road tax regimes and figures. Suppose you own a vehicle registered in Karnataka or drive around the roads there. In that case, you must adhere to the traffic rules of the State and pay the fixed road tax imposed by the government as per the Central Motor Vehicles Act.

Why Should You Pay Road Tax?

According to the Motor Vehicles Act, you must pay road tax regardless of which State or city you reside in India. It is similar to having a valid driver's license and insurance. The Karnataka RTO collects road tax from every vehicle owner, and that amount is utilised to improve and maintain the roads of the State.

How is the Road Tax Calculated in Karnataka?

The road tax collected by the government of Karnataka is different from that of other states in India. In Karnataka, regardless of the purpose of the vehicle, the tax remains the same for the particular kind of automobile.

The Karnataka RTO charges road tax on a two-wheeler, four-wheeler, or any automobile based on the vehicle's age and the ex-showroom value.

The government of Karnataka also has a tax exemption for electric vehicles as the nation at large is moving towards promoting pollution-free transportation. There is no 100% tax waiver, but the tax collected on electric vehicles is significantly less than the tax imposed on regular vehicles.

How is Road Tax Calculated for Four Wheelers in Karnataka?

The cost of the vehicle is considered while levying road tax in Karnataka. In the case of four-wheelers, the vehicle's age and overall buying cost determine most of the tax imposed by the government. The more expensive the vehicle, the bigger the tax payable.

What is Green Tax and How Much Green Tax is Collected in Karnataka?

Tax levied on vehicles older than 15 is called Green Tax. The government collects a nominal green tax fee of Rs 250 for two-wheelers, Rs 500 for four-wheelers and Rs 200 for all transport vehicles aged above seven years.

The government introduced the green tax to discourage people from using old vehicles, contributing to the increased pollution caused by automobiles.

Are Electric Vehicles Exempted from Tax in Karnataka?

Karnataka imposes a 5% tax on electric vehicles. Unlike Tamil Nadu, Karnataka has not waivered the tax on EVs.

The government has taken this initiative to promote automobile usage that does not contribute to the increased environmental pollution. It is an awareness to safeguard nature.

What are the Steps to Pay Road Tax in Karnataka Online?

Online payment for Karnataka road tax can be made by following the steps below.

1. Visit the Parivahan website.
2. Click on the 'Vahan Service' tab.
3. Enter vehicle details.
4. Click on the 'Pay Tax' tab.
5. Enter the phone number and verify using the OTP.
6. Verify and check the details shown.
7. Confirm the tax amount and make the payment.

Wrapping Up

Paying road tax is mandatory in all states and cities in India. It is a punishable offence not to pay your road tax. The amount collected by each State differs based on parameters set by the regional RTO. It is essential to learn about the details of the state tax when purchasing a vehicle.