Road Tax - Steps to Online Vehicle Tax Payment

In India, every highway that is a state or national highway, is taxed by the Indian Government for raising the cost of making as well as the maintenance of the roads. This road taxation helps to ensure that the cost of road safety and security is also maintained.

There are various kinds of road taxes, that are based on the state you are traveling in. The most common road tax that is collected from vehicles, is the toll tax.

Who Should Pay Road Tax?

Any individual who has purchased a vehicle for personal or commercial use must pay road tax. The vehicle that is bought can be a trailer, a commercial truck, a four-wheeler, a three-wheeler, and a two-wheeler.

road tax in India

How to Pay Road Tax Online?

The procedure for online road tax payment is mentioned below:

  Step 1: Visit official site at https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/. 

 Step 2: Under the 'Online Services' section, you will find the 'Vehicle Related Services' option, click on it.

 Step 3: Now, Select 'Name of the State' under dropdown menu.

 Step 4: Enter 'Vehicle Registration No' and select 'RTO'. 

Step 5:  Next, click on 'Proceed'.

 Step 6: On the next page, you will pay the pending road taxes by using your credit cards and debit cards.

Step 7: Download and save the receipt for your reference.

Required Documents to Pay Road Tax

The list of documents you will have to submit in order to pay your road tax is given below:

  1. A copy of the invoice of the vehicle
  2. Registration certificate of the vehicle
  3. No Objection Certificate
  4. Valid insurance copy of the vehicle
  5. Form number KMVT14 (if your vehicle is from different state)
  6. Proof of address such as Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, ration card, rental agreement, utility bill, etc.

Road Tax Across Indian States

Road Tax in Maharashtra

The amount of road tax in Maharashtra state charged as follows:

Vehicle cost

Road Tax

Up to Rs. 10 Lakh

CNG - 7%, Petrol - 11%, Diesel - 13% 

Rs. 10 to 20 Lakh

Petrol - 12%, Diesel - 14%

Road Tax in Uttar Pradesh

The amount of road tax in Uttar Pradesh state charged as follows:

Vehicle cost

Road Tax

Up to Rs. 10 Lakh 

8%

Above Rs. 10 Lakh 

10%

What is Toll Tax?

While this tax is mandatory and is charged in toll plazas along the highways across India, the rates vary because each toll plaza is accountable for a certain distance of the road. This taxation does is exempted for certain people including VIPs in the country of certain officials who have been listed in the last section.

Current Toll Tax Rates Across India

Based on the policies of the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection Rules, 2008, the toll tax rates are supposed to undergo revision each year and take effect from April 1, the are the current rates are available on the website and differ based on location and distances.

Toll Tax Policy

Policy for collecting toll tax is based on the National Highways Act, 1956 (48 of 1956) provisions as well as the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, when this amendment was made. As of 2016 there are 390 toll tax collection fee plazas across the national highways in India. Based on the current policy literature any road with 6 lanes with 4 lanes already running is tolled even if the highway is not fully completed. As of 2016, there is no separate regulatory authority running independently for this taxation.

Road Tax Exemption Rules in India

Any vehicle which has the following people will be exempted toll tax across India:

  1. President of India
  2. Prime-Minister of India
  3. Vice-President of India
  4. Chief Justice of India
  5. Governor of any State in India
  6. Speaker of the House of People
  7. Cabinet Minister of the Union
  8. Judge of the Supreme Court
  9. Governor of any State in India
  10. Minister of State of the Union
  11. Member of Parliament
  12. Lieutenant Governor of any Union Territory in India
  13. Chief of Staff holding a full General or equivalent rank
  14. Chairman of the Legislative Council of a State
  15. Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of any State in India
  16. Chief Justice of a High Court
  17. Judge of a High Court
  18. Army Commander or Vice-Chief of Army Staff and equivalent in other services
  19. Foreign dignitary on State visit
  20. Chief Secretary to a State Government within concerned State
  21. Secretary to the Government of India
  22. Secretary, Council of States
  23. Secretary, House of People
  24. A Member of Legislative Assembly of a State in the state premises, with identity proof
  25. A Member of Legislative Council in the borders of their respective State, with identity proof
  26. Awardees of the following recognition, with adequate identity proof:
    1. Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra
    2. Maha Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra
    3. Vir Chakra
    4. Shaurya Chakra

The other vehicles which are exempted from the toll tax include:

  • Vehicle under or with a passenger who is from the Ministry of Defence including people eligible for toll exemption based on the provisions of the Indian Toll (Army and Air Force) Act, 1901 and laws including the Navy
  • Central and State armed forces in uniform including para military forces and police
  • An executive Magistrate
  • Vehicle belonging to the fire-fighting Department or organisation
  • Vehicle belonging to the National Highways Authority of India
  • Vehicle belonging to any other Government agency or organisation for purposes of survey, inspection, operation or construction and maintenance of national highways
  • Vehicle used as ambulance
  • Vehicle used as funeral van

FAQs on Road Tax

  • Are Toll Tax and Road Tax the Same?

    No. Toll tax is collected for using specific highways or roads, while road tax is a one-time or periodic tax paid to the state government for owning and operating a vehicle.

  • Which Indian State Has the Highest Road Tax?

    Karnataka charges the highest road tax among Indian states.

  • Can I Get a Road Tax Refund After Registering a Used Car in Another State?

    No, only the original owner can apply for a road tax refund.

  • Is There a Time Limit for Claiming a Road Tax Refund?

    Yes, the time limit varies by state. It is advisable to check with the local RTO for details.

  • Is the Road Tax Refund Process Online and Available in All States?

    No, most states require you to visit the RTO for applying. However, eligibility for a refund exists across states if criteria are met.

  • What will happen if I don't pay my road tax?

    If you fail to pay road tax, you may have to pay a lifetime tax with penalty, and your vehicle cannot be driven legally in another state for more than 30 days.

News About Road Tax

EV Road Tax Exemption in Telangana

Telangana is offering a 100% waiver on road tax and registration fees for electric vehicles. The exemption lasts for two years, until December 2026. It applies to electric two-wheelers, four-wheelers, taxis, autorickshaws, goods carriers, and buses used for employee transport or by the State Road Transport Corporation.

Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar highlighted the policy's aim to reduce Hyderabad’s pollution and promote EV awareness. With 1.7 lakh EVs registered, making up 5% of all vehicles in the state, the government urges manufacturers to establish charging stations. Key departments will meet soon to ensure smooth policy implementation.

6 December 2024
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