Chennai Road Tax
Chennai Road Tax
The increasing number of vehicles on Chennai's roads has made it all the more important to comply with traffic rules and regulations, such as possessing a valid driver's licence and car insurance policy, to avoid fines and accidents.
Moreover, as a car owner, it is crucial to be well-updated with the numerous monetary charges imposed on the vehicle owner, in addition to car registration charges in Chennai.
One such law is the imposition of a Vahan tax in Chennai. Let us discuss all about Chennai road tax, how to pay Chennai road tax online and offline, and other aspects of this traffic rule
What is Road Tax?
Chennai road tax is a tax category imposed on all vehicle owners in Chennai. The growing number of vehicles registered in Chennai over the last few years, whether two-wheelers or four-wheelers, is a testament to the changing preferences of the people in the city.
Given these changing preferences and the need to provide improved road infrastructure and public services, the state government collects this mandatory tax from all citizens who use public roads for commutes and travel.
Who Levies Chennai Road Tax Charges?
Every state in India imposes road taxes on all vehicle owners. In Chennai, the road tax is levied by the Tamil Nadu State Government and the Regional Transport Offices.
This is because they are responsible for maintaining and developing the roads and other public services for residents and visitors.
The state government uses all the contributions collected by the people of Chennai against road tax, making this tax contribution an investment for a better tomorrow.
Road Tax Rate in Chennai Calculation
To pay road tax online in Chennai or at the payment at the nearest RTO, you must know how the road tax rate in Chennai is calculated. Based on the Motor Vehicles Act, the Tamil Nadu state government plans and imposes different tax rates for different vehicle categories.
The common factors for determining these tax rates include the following.
Make of the vehicle
Model of the vehicle
Age of the vehicle
Engine capacity of the vehicle
Location of the vehicle (where it is purchased)
The use-case of the vehicle (personal or commercial)
Chennai Road Tax for Vehicles
Calculation of Vahan Tax in Chennai: Two-Wheelers
In Chennai, all new two-wheelers are charged a flat 8% of the total cost of the vehicle as road tax, regardless of the other factors. However, after the first registration, the tax rates for the two-wheelers are based on the age of the vehicle.
The list is as follows.
| Age of the vehicle (two-wheeler) | Road tax amount (in percentage) |
|---|---|
| Less than or equal to 1 year | 7.75% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 1 to 2 years | 7.5% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 2 to 3 years | 7.25% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 3 to 4 years | 7% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 4 to 5 years | 6.75% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 5 to 6 years | 6.5% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 6 to 7 years | 6.25% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 7 to 8 years | 6% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 8 to 9 years | 5.75% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 9 to 10 years | 5.5% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 10 to 11 years | 5.25% of the vehicle cost |
| More than 11 years | 5% of the vehicle cost |
**Calculation of Vahan Tax in Chennai: Three-Wheelers** The Chennai road tax for three-wheelers is fixed for everyone, regardless of the age, make, and model of the vehicle. The applicable road tax rate is a flat 4% of the price of the vehicle. **Calculation of Vahan Tax in Chennai: Four-Wheelers** For four-wheelers, one of the most popular vehicle categories in Chennai, the applicable road tax rate is calculated based on two key factors: age and cost. Let us look at the detailed table below.
| Age of the Four-Wheeler | Road tax rate for vehicles priced less than or equal to ₹10 lakhs | Road tax rate for vehicles priced more than ₹10 lakhs |
|---|---|---|
| New four-wheeler | 10% of the vehicle cost | 15% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 0 to 1 year | 8.75% of the vehicle cost | 13.75% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 1 to 2 years | 8.5% of the vehicle cost | 13.5% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 2 to 3 years | 8.25% of the vehicle cost | 13.25% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 3 to 4 years | 8% of the vehicle cost | 13% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 4 to 5 years | 7.75% of the vehicle cost | 12.75% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 5 to 6 years | 7.5% of the vehicle cost | 12.5% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 6 to 7 years | 7.25% of the vehicle cost | 12.25% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 7 to 8 years | 7% of the vehicle cost | 12% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 8 to 9 years | 6.75% of the vehicle cost | 11.75% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 9 to 10 years | 6.5% of the vehicle cost | 11.5% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 10 to 11 years | 6.25% of the vehicle cost | 11.25% of the vehicle cost |
| Between 11 to 12 years | 6% of the vehicle cost | 11% of the vehicle cost |
**Chennai Road Tax for Commercial Vehicles** The commercial vehicles in Chennai need to pay the Chennai road tax every quarter, and the rate is dependent on their total vehicle weight, inclusive of just vehicle weight and the weight of the goods or passengers it carries. The list for the same is as follows.
| Total Weight of the Vehicle | Road Tax (in Rupees) |
|---|---|
| Weight < 3000 kgs | ₹545 |
| Weight between 3000 to 5500 kgs | ₹885 |
| Weight between 5500 to 9000 kgs | ₹1335 |
| Weight between 12,000 to 13,000 kgs | ₹1930 |
| Weight between 13,000 to 15,000 kgs | ₹2300 |
| Weight > 15,000 kgs | ₹2300 (plus ₹50 for every extra 250 kgs above 15,000 kgs) |
Chennai Road Tax for Other State Vehicles
The other state vehicles entering Chennai are required to pay a temporary tax (TNP) when entering the state of Tamil Nadu. The tax rate for this category is determined based on the two following factors.
Type of Vehicle - two-wheeler, three-wheeler, four-wheeler, or commercial.
Stay Duration- The tax rate is determined based on the number of days the other state vehicle plans to operate around Chennai. For longer durations, the TNP rate will be higher.
Road Tax Online Payment Chennai: A Step-By-Step Process
Visit the Parivahan portal.
On the main homepage, locate and select “Online Services” and click on “Vehicle-Related Services” from the dropdown menu.
On the next page, enter your state as “Tamil Nadu” to proceed.
From the left side of the new webpage, select your choice of Regional Transport Office, accept the terms and conditions, and click on “Proceed”.
A new pop-up window will appear. Select “Proceed” on it to continue the process.
Select “Pay your Tax” from the list of options.
Add your vehicle registration number and the last 5 digits of your chassis number before clicking on “Verify Details”.
After confirmation, you can make the required payment online using any of the available payment options.
Once done, collect the receipt for future reference.
How to Find the Amount of Your Vehicle Tax Payment Online Chennai?
Go to the Vahan Citizen Services portal.
Select the “Know your MV Tax” option from the top bar to proceed.
A new webpage will open. Here, add all the requested information carefully.
Once done, add the verification code under it and click on “Get Tax Details”.
Your Chennai road tax amount will be displayed on the screen.
Offline Payment of Chennai Road Tax
Visit the nearest Chennai RTO with the necessary documents. This includes a vehicle registration certificate, vehicle purchase invoice, proof of address, etc.
Request the road tax payment form at the reception.
Fill it out carefully and add all accurate details regarding yourself and your vehicle.
Ask for the authorised officer responsible for road tax collection.
Submit the form and make the required tax payment in cash to complete the process. Remember to collect your payment receipt.
[Note: Please note that specific documents and procedures may vary. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the Chennai RTO or visit the Vahan website for any additional information or requirements regarding offline road tax payment in Chennai.]
Penalties for Non-Payment of Chennai Road Tax
According to the new rules and regulations imposed by the Tamil Nadu state government for all cities, the penalty for non-payment of Chennai road tax within 45 days after the due date can attract a fine of up to 100% of the total due amount.
List of RTOs in Chennai
| RTO Name | RTO Code | RTO Address |
|---|---|---|
| North East Chennai | TN03 | No. 147, Balakrishna Street, Tondiarpet T.H. Road, North East 600081 |
| North West Chennai | TN02 | Plot No. 3623., G-17, Anna Nagar, New Avadi Road, 600040 |
| North Chennai | TN20 | 156. JN Road, Collectorate Complex Annex, Thiruvallur, 602001 |
| South West Chennai | TN09 | 1, Bharathidasan Colony, Mambalam Taluk Office Complex, K.K.Nagar, 600078 |
| South Chennai | TN07 | Thiruvalluvar Nagar, East Coast Road, Thiruvanmiyur, 600041 |
| North Chennai | TN18 | 4/87, Sri Samundeeswari Complex, Bye-pass Road, Redhills, 52 |
| North East Chennai | TN04 | Power Mill Road, Basin Bridge, Puliyanthoppu, 600012 |
| South East Chennai | TN06 | Triplicane (at Mandaveli), 17, R.K.Nagar, 3rd Cross Street, Mandaveli, 600028 |
| Central Chennai | TN01 | MTC Building, Ayanavaram, Chennai, 600008 |
| North Chennai | TN05 | No.10, A/4, Ist Cross Road, MKB Nagar, Vysarbadi, 600012 |
Car Insurance in Chennai
Other than paying the Chennai road tax as a mandate, vehicle owners in Chennai also need to purchase a valid car insurance policy to drive in Chennai.
According to the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, third-party car insurance is compulsory for all vehicle owners. This car insurance policy protects you against any damage or loss incurred by a third party or their property due to your insured car.
However, to protect your insured car, you must invest in a comprehensive car insurance policy. This type of four-wheeler insurance provides financial coverage against any damage or loss incurred by your vehicle due to accidents, natural calamities, man-made disasters, etc.
Tata AIG offers comprehensive plans along with ample customisation flexibility with a range of add-ons to allow you to cater to your specific needs with selective coverage above the base policy.
Moreover, for maximum convenience for our customers, we allow you to purchase insurance or complete an expired car insurance renewal online in just a few steps using our user-friendly website.
Conclusion
Complying with the road rules and regulations in Chennai and making the necessary road tax payments on time can save you from significant stress and the inconvenience of fines. Moreover, the state government takes up this contribution for improved facilities, making it important to complete these payments.
With the ease of online payment using the Parivahan portal, there is no reason to delay this mandatory road tax payment. Be a responsible citizen and driver, and follow the traffic rules to enjoy peace of mind.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is subject to change depending on the prevailing laws and policies. It is recommended that you stay updated regarding such changes and confirm the details through an official source before proceeding further.
Disclaimer / TnC
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.
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