What is the road tax for vehicles in Tamil Nadu?

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.

Tamil Nadu also has its road tax regimes and figures. If you own a vehicle registered in Tamil Nadu or are driving around the roads of Tamil Nadu, 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 1988.

Why Should You Pay Road Tax?

According to the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, it is mandatory to 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 Tamil Nadu 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 Tamil Nadu?

The tax paid by the vehicle owner in Tamil Nadu depends on the type of vehicle and the engine capacity. The tax payable also alters for petrol-powered and diesel-powered vehicles respectively. Here is how tax is calculated in Tamil Nadu:

• Vehicle type
• Purpose of vehicle – commercial or personal use
• Age of the vehicle
• The engine capacity of the vehicle
• Seating capacity of vehicle
• Fuel type of vehicle

How is Road Tax Calculated for Four Wheelers in Tamil Nadu?

Factors such as the type of four-wheeler, age, vehicle cost, etc., are considered when levying road tax in Tamil Nadu. 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 Tamil Nadu?

Tax levied on vehicles older than 15 is called Green Tax. For private cars older than 15 years, the tax collected is Rs 2000; for commercial vehicles, the tax collected is Rs 4000. Green tax is imposed on goods that contribute to the increased pollution of the environment. It is also called the Environment Tax or the Pollution Tax.

Are Electric Vehicles Exempted from Tax in Tamil Nadu?

Tamil Nadu has extended a 100% waiver for electric vehicles in the State till December 2025. This relaxation applies to all kinds of electric vehicles, both transport and non-transport electric vehicles registered in Tamil Nadu. 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 is the Road Tax on Used Cars in Tamil Nadu?

You must also pay road tax while buying a used car unless the previous owner has paid the same for a particular period. If you happen to buy the car and the road tax paid has expired, then you must pay the same.

What are the Steps to Pay Road Tax in Tamil Nadu Online?

The government of Tamil Nadu has imposed road tax based on various parameters discussed above. If the vehicle owner fails to pay the road tax on time, the RTO officials can legally charge hefty fines. You can pay the road tax either by visiting the RTO or online. You can follow the steps below to pay road tax in Tamil Nadu online.

1. Visit the Parivahan Sewa portal
2. Select "Vehicle Related Services" under "Online Services"
3. Choose the State as Tamil Nadu and log in
4. Click on the "Pay Tax" tab
5. Enter the vehicle registration and mobile numbers to generate an OTP.
6. Enter the OTP sent to the mobile number and click "Show Details".
7. It is time to verify your details
8. Select the Tax Mode now
9. You can see the amount to be paid per the selected tax mode.
10. Click on "Confirm Payment"
11. Now, choose your preferred payment gateway and complete the payment
12. You can download the payment invoice for your reference

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 tax details in the State when purchasing a vehicle.