Pondicherry Road Tax

1. New vehicles registered in Puducherry.

1. Old vehicles previously registered in another state but now transferred in Puducherry.

How is Road Tax Calculated in Puducherry?

As per the Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, road tax differs for different categories of vehicles. Several factors like engine capacity, age of vehicle, usage purpose, type of fuel used, etc. Are considered when calculating road tax in Puducherry. As Puducherry is a Union Territory, the tax rates are different from those in other states. It is important to be aware of the amount of road tax you will have to pay for your vehicle in Puducherry.

Puducherry Road Tax Rates

The road tax rates in Puducherry are as follows: 

1. Two-Wheeler Road Tax

2. Four-Wheelers Road Tax

3. Commercial Vehicle Road Tax

4. Stage Carriages Road Tax

5. Other State Vehicles (Temporary Permits) Road Tax

Vehicles registered in other states and entering Puducherry for a temporary period must obtain a permit and pay a corresponding tax, which is levied based on the period of stay.

On relocating to Puducherry, you can drive your vehicle using your original state's registration (number plate) for a grace period of up to 12 months. After that, it is compulsory to re-register the vehicle with the local Puducherry RTO and pay the applicable Road Tax as per the Union Territory's regulations. You can use the Pondicherry road tax calculator available on the Parivahan portal to calculate the road tax you are liable to pay.

Puducherry Road Tax Payment

The government has streamlined the process of Puducherry vehicle tax by offering convenient options both online through the national portal and directly at the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). Depending on your suitability, you can choose any more for payment of road tax.

Online Process:

Follow the following steps for payment of Puducherry road tax through online method:

Step 1: Visit the official VAHAN website (https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in/vahanservice/).

Step 2: Click on "Online Services" and then select "Vehicle Related Services".

Step 3: Choose "Puducherry" from the state dropdown list followed by your RTO office. (e.g., PY-01). Click "Proceed".

Step 4: Navigate to the "Pay Your Tax" option. 

Step 5: Enter your vehicle's Registration Number and other details. Click "Validate/ Generate OTP".

Step 6: Complete the transaction by selecting your preferred online payment gateway.

Step 7: Download the payment receipt for future reference.

Offline Road Tax Payment in Puducherry

Follow these steps to pay the road tax offline directly at the RTO counter:

Step 1: Visit the nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) with your required documents.

Step 2: Obtain the relevant tax payment form, fill in your details and submit it.

Step 3: Proceed to the designated cash or payment counter.

Step 4: Collect the receipt for future reference.

Penalty for Non-Payment of Road Tax

The penalty for failing to pay road tax in Puducherry 2025 is calculated based on the tax payment frequency and the length of the delay. As per the Puducherry Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, the total amount of penalty cannot exceed the annual tax amount.

The penalties are levied based on the amount of tax due and also on whether the vehicle pays tax quarterly, half-yearly, or as a one-time "lifetime" tax.

RTO Offices in Puducherry

The Union Territory of Puducherry is administratively divided into four distinct regions, each with its own Regional Transport Office (RTO) or Transport Unit Office.

These offices are crucial for Puducherry vehicle registration, driver licensing, and the collection of Road Tax under the PY series code. The list of Puducherry RTO address and contaact is given below:

1. Puducherry RTO (Main Office)

This is the main Regional Transport Office in the capital region of the Union Territory, handling the majority of vehicle administration, registration, and driver services.

RTO Code - PY-01

RTO Address - 100 Feet Road, Olandaikeerapalayam, Opposite Bus Stand, Mudaliarpet, Puducherry - 605004

2. Karaikal RTO

Karaikal, an enclave of Puducherry located in Tamil Nadu, has a dedicated RTO to manage the transport needs and collect road tax for vehicles registered in that district.

RTO Code - PY-02

RTO Address - Regional Transport Office, Karaikal Bypass Road, Civil Station, Karaikal, Puducherry - 609602

3. Mahe RTO

Mahe, an enclave of Puducherry located on the coast of Kerala, is served by its own Transport Unit Office.

RTO Code - PY-03

RTO Address - Transport Unit Office, Mahe Civil Station, Mahe, Puducherry - 673310

4. Yanam RTO

Yanam, an enclave of Puducherry located in Andhra Pradesh, ensures localized transport governance for the region.

RTO Code - PY-04

RTO Address - Transport Unit Office, Civil Station, Opposite to Regional Executive Office, Yanam, Puducherry - 533464

Conclusion

Puducherry's road tax payment system is highly efficient, especially after the incorporation of the centralised Parivahan portal which enables vehicle owners to complete mandatory tax payments and instantly download receipts with great ease from any location. As a responsible vehicle owner, it is essential to complete all necessary registration formalities, secure the right motor insurance policy, and adhere to all traffic regulations while driving.