In India, road tax is a mandatory fee imposed by the government on citizens who either purchase a new vehicle or register an existing one with their Regional Transport Office (RTO). It is collected by both the state and central governments, with the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) responsible for central government road tax collection, primarily through toll fees on specific roads.
State government road tax is handled by the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) during vehicle registration and purchase. In Karnataka, road tax is governed by the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Taxation Act.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Karnataka road tax.
How is Road Tax in Karnataka Calculated?
Calculating road tax in Karnataka involves several key factors that the state government takes into account to determine the appropriate tax amount for different vehicles. These factors ensure a fair and standardised tax calculation process across all vehicle categories.
Here are the factors that are used to calculate the road tax in Karnataka:
- Vehicle’s age
- Vehicle’s cost
- Fuel type
- Seating capacity
- Engine capacity
- Vehicle usage
- Weight of the vehicle
Additionally, for convenience, a Karnataka Road tax calculator is available on the Parivahan portal, allowing vehicle owners to compute their road tax based on the above-mentioned factors. Moreover, other online portals also provide Karnataka RTO Road tax calculator.
What Are the Road Tax Rates in Karnataka?
In Karnataka, road tax rates vary based on specific factors, including the type, value, and age of the vehicle.
Take a look at the comprehensive breakdown of road tax rates for distinct categories, including road tax for car in Karnataka and road tax for commercial vehicles in Karnataka.
Two-Wheeler Road Tax in Karnataka
| Vehicle Category | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| New vehicles < Rs. 50,000 | 10% |
| New vehicles > Rs. 50,000 | 12% |
| Electric Vehicles | 4% |
| Vehicles < 5 years old | 73% to 93% |
| Vehicles 5-10 years old | 49% to 69% |
| Vehicles 10-15 years old | 45% to 25% |
Three-Wheeler Road Tax in Karnataka
For new auto-rickshaws at the time of registration, a flat road tax of Rs. 2,500/- applies.
Four-Wheeler Road Tax in Karnataka
| Vehicle Category | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| New vehicles < Rs. 5 lakhs | 13% |
| New vehicles Rs. 5 lakhs – Rs. 10 lakhs | 14% |
| New vehicles Rs. 10 lakhs – Rs. 20 lakhs | 17% |
| New vehicles > Rs. 20 lakhs | 18% |
| Electric Vehicles | 4% |
| Vehicles < 5 years old | 75% to 93% |
| Vehicles 5-10 years old | 49% to 69% |
| Vehicles 10-15 years old | 45% to 25% |
Road Tax for Commercial Vehicles in Karnataka
Karnataka imposes a uniform tax slab for both commercial and private vehicles. The road tax for commercial vehicles in Karnataka is as follows:
| Vehicle Category | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| New vehicles < Rs. 5 lakhs | 13% |
| New vehicles Rs. 5 lakhs – Rs. 10 lakhs | 14% |
| New vehicles Rs. 10 lakhs – Rs. 20 lakhs | 17% |
| New vehicles > Rs. 20 lakhs | 18% |
| Vehicles < 5 years old | 75% to 93% |
| Vehicles 5-10 years old | 49% to 69% |
| Vehicles 10-15 years old | 45% to 25% |
| Electric Vehicles | 4% |
Karnataka RTO Road Tax Calculation for Other State Vehicles
| Duration of Vehicle Use | Required Action |
|---|---|
| Less than 30 days | No action required – Tax not applicable (NA) |
| 30 days to 11 months | Apply for a change of address in Karnataka |
| Beyond 11 months | Re-register the vehicle in Karnataka and pay the applicable lifetime taxes accordingly |
How to Pay Road Tax in Karnataka?
Whether you opt for the convenience of paying road tax in Karnataka online or prefer a visit to your local RTO, the process is straightforward and hassle-free. You can also settle your road tax at the time of vehicle registration by heading to any RTO in Karnataka.
Here, we outline the methods and steps involved in paying road tax in Karnataka:
Karnataka Road Tax: Online Payment Method
To pay your road tax online in Karnataka, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official Parivahan website.
- Click on “Online Services” and select the “Vehicles Related Services” option.
- Choose Karnataka from the list of states and specify the relevant RTO.
- Provide your vehicle’s registration number and all the required information.
- After your details are verified, proceed to make the road tax payment.
- Once the payment is complete, download a copy of the receipt for your records.
Karnataka Road Tax: Offline Payment Method
If you prefer to pay your road tax in person at the local RTO, follow these steps:
- Visit your nearest RTO with all the required supporting documents.
- Inquire about road tax payments at the front desk and request an application form.
- Complete the form with your relevant details, including vehicle type, registration date, purchase date, and more.
- Submit the completed form, and supporting documents, and pay the applicable road tax amount at the counter.
Documents Needed to Pay Karnataka Road Tax
- A copy of the vehicle’s invoice.
- The Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) and Form KMVT14 (if re-registering a vehicle from another state).
- Insurance certificate for the vehicle.
- Proof of address (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID card, ration card, rental agreement, utility bills, etc.)
What is the Penalty for Non-Payment of Road Taxes in Karnataka?
Karnataka, the government permits a one-year grace period for road tax payment after it becomes due. During this time, you can continue using your vehicle on state roads without penalty. However, if the road tax remains unpaid even after this grace period, a substantial penalty is imposed by the government.
If you make the payment within the allowed delay period, which is typically 30 days, no interest will be charged on the overdue amount. Moreover, failure to pay on time can lead to your vehicle being impounded until the pending road tax is settled.
Also Read: How to Check and Pay Bangalore Traffic Fines?
Conclusion:
In conclusion, understanding road tax in Karnataka is a crucial aspect of vehicle ownership, whether you’re purchasing a new vehicle or renewing your tax. Familiarising yourself with Karnataka’s road tax rates and regulations ensures legal compliance and contributes to the state’s infrastructure development.
Can I download my Karnataka Road tax receipt online?
Is the Road tax in Karnataka refundable?
Do I need to pay road tax for car in Karnataka for my car registered in a different state?
