Ladakh Road Tax

Ladakh has a distinct geographical landscape and a unique road tax system. Whether you are visiting Ladakh or a local resident, it is important to understand its taxation system. The road tax in this Union Territory is designed to support infrastructure development across its challenging terrain while balancing environmental concerns.

Due to its special status, certain exemptions may apply to locally registered vehicles, government departments, or tourist vehicles entering the region. Read on to know more about the taxation system in Ladakh.

Who needs to Pay Road Tax in Ladakh?

All the vehicle owners have to pay road tax in Ladakh. Whether you own a personal vehicle or a commercial vehicle, four-wheeler or two-wheeler, you have to pay road tax. However, the amount of tax charged will differ for each category. Read on to types of vehicles who are liable to pay road tax in Ladakh:

  1. New vehicles registered in Ladakh.
  1. Vehicles transferred to Ladakh from another state.
  1. Commercial vehicles used within Ladakh.

Do note that you must pay road tax within 15 days of Ladakh vehicle registration.

How is Road Tax Calculated in Ladakh?

The road tax in Ladakh differs for each category of vehicle. Multiple factors like engine capacity, usage purpose, vehicle age, etc. are considered to calculate the amount of Ladakh vehicle tax rates. The main factors responsible for degerming the road tax are as follows:

  1. Vehicle Type: Whether the vehicle is a two-wheeler, four-wheeler, commercial, or transport vehicle.
  1. Engine Capacity: Higher the engine capacity, higher the cost.
  1. Age of the Vehicle: If your vehicle is old, it may attract lower tax rates, in comparison to new vehicle.
  1. Purpose of Vehicle: Vehicle for commercial use is charged differently from personal use vehicles.

Do note that the road tax amount is a percentage of the vehicle’s ex-showroom price, and it must be paid as a one-time payment during registration.

Road Tax Rates in Ladakh 2026

The Ladakh road tax rates are as given below:

Vehicle Type 

Tax Rate (One-Time)

Two-wheelers ≤ Rs.2 lakh

3% of vehicle cost excluding taxes

Motor vehicles ≤ Rs.10 lakh

6% of vehicle cost excluding taxes

Motor vehicles > Rs.10 lakh

9% of vehicle cost excluding taxes

Inter-State Transfers

Pro-rata basis

Note: All vehicles are charged road tax only once in Ladakh.

How to Pay Road Tax in Ladakh?

You can pay road tax both online and offline in Ladakh. The procedure for online as well as offline tax payment is given below.

Online Process:

Follow the steps given below to pay road tax online in Ladakh:

Step 1: You need to visit the official e-vahan website https://parivahan.gov.in/

Step 2: Click on the option ‘Online Services’ and navigate to option ‘Vehicle Related Services’

Step 3: From the options given, choose ‘Ladakh’ as your state and provide your vehicle registration number and Ladakh RTO.

Step 4: Select the option ‘Pay Vehicle Tax’.

Step 5: All the details related to your vehicle will be displayed on the screen. Check and confirm the information.

Step 6: Complete the payment through net banking, debit, or credit card.

Step 7: Download the payment receipt for future reference. 

Offline Process:

Follow the steps given below to pay road tax offline in Ladakh:

Step 1: To pay tax offline, you need to visit the nearest local RTO in Ladakh.

Step 2: You need to carry documents like Registration Certificate, Vehicle Invoice, Identification proof, etc.

Step 3: Once you reach the RTO office, collect the form, and fill in all the required details.

Step 4: Submit the form at the counter and complete the payment.

Step 5: Collect the receipt for future reference.

Penalty for Non-Payment of Tax in Ladakh

Ladakh does not charge specific penalties for delayed road tax payments. However, as per general provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and RTO enforcement rules, you have to pay fees as mentioned below:

  1. Late fees: You may have to pay a surcharge or interest of around 1–2% per month, which may be charged after the grace period, for non-payment of road tax.
  1. Registration put on hold: If you fail to pay your road tax, it may result in non-renewal or blocking your vehicle registration. Doing so will make it illegal to drive until the dues are cleared.
  1. Vehicle Impoundment: Vehicles operated without valid road tax payments may be seized by authorities until the pending amount is paid.

Road Tax Refund in Ladakh:

You can claim a Ladakh road tax refund under the circumstances given below:

  1. Your vehicle has been scrapped or deregistered.
  1. Your vehicle has been transferred and re-registered to another state.
  1. You have paid an excess tax amount by mistake.

How to Claim Tax Refund in Ladakh?

Follow the steps given below to claim a tax refund in Ladakh:

Step 1: You need to visit the nearest Ladakh RTO to claim a tax refund

Step 2: At the RTO, you need to collect and fill out the refund application form.

Step 3: Submit the form along with supporting documents.

Step 4: You will have to provide proof of new registration (if applicable).

Step 5: Once the verification process is complete, the refund amount will be credited to your account within a few weeks.

RTO Offices in Ladakh

The list of RTO offices in Ladakh is as given below:

City/Town

RTO Code

Location

Leh

LA-01

DTO Leh, Office of the ARTO

Kargil

LA-02

DTO Kargil, Office of the ARTO

Conclusion

Paying road tax when driving in any part of the country is not only mandatory, but also a social responsibility. Whether you are a resident of Ladakh or transferring your vehicle from another state, paying road tax ensures that you drive legally and smoothly across the Union Territory.

FAQs on Road Tax in Ladakh

  • How many times will I have to pay road tax in Ladakh?

    You have to pay road tax only once in Ladakh.

  • Can I pay my road tax online in Ladakh?

    Yes, you can pay your road tax online in Ladakh.

  • What documents do I need to carry when paying road tax offline in Ladakh?

    You need to carry documents like identity proof, vehicle registration number, vehicle invoice, address proof, etc. when paying road tax offline in Ladakh.

  • How can I claim a road tax refund in Ladakh?

    You can claim a road tax refund in Ladakh by submitting an application at the RTO.

  • What are the consequences of not paying road tax on time?

    You may have to face penalties, registration issues, or vehicle confiscation in case of non-payment of road tax.

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