Kerala Road Tax

Renowned for its captivating scenery, best admired while traversing its roads, Kerala places significant emphasis on road taxes to support its infrastructure.

Understanding the taxation system is crucial for individuals aspiring to own a vehicle in this state. Kerala follows the Kerala Motor Vehicles Taxation Act of 1976, amended in 2020, to determine road tax rates. Several factors are considered when determining the applicable tax for different vehicles. These factors include:

• Vehicle's intended use

• Passenger seating capacity

• Rating of the engine

• Age

Moreover, your vehicle may also be subject to Green Tax, depending on age. This tax is imposed to address the environmental impact caused by older vehicles. By implementing a Green Tax, Kerala aims to discourage the use of such vehicles and promote a greener and cleaner environment.

Road tax is imposed on motor vehicles, whether used for personal or commercial purposes, including two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and various other vehicle types. The responsibility for levying road tax lies with the State and Central governments, each imposing different taxes.

The State Government imposes various taxes, including annual and lifetime motor vehicle tax, passenger and goods tax, Goods and Services Tax (GST), state Value Added Tax (VAT), and toll tax. On the other hand, the Central Government levies taxes such as central sales tax, central excise, customs duty, and additional cess based on the type and model of the vehicle.

While the Central Government primarily takes charge of constructing and maintaining national highways, approximately 80% of roads across Indian states are built by their respective State Governments. As these State Governments bear the costs associated with road construction, they have the authority to collect road tax from vehicle owners within their jurisdiction.

By collecting Kerala vehicle tax payment from motorists, the State and Central Governments aim to generate funds necessary to develop and maintain the country's road infrastructure. These funds contribute to ensuring well-maintained roads and improving transportation networks throughout India.

In Kerala, road tax is typically a one-time vehicle purchase fee. The amount of road tax for cars in Kerala or any other vehicle payable to the government is determined based on several factors, including:**

1. Type of vehicle: Whether it is a two-wheeler or a four-wheeler.

2. Purpose of use: Whether the vehicle is intended for personal use or other commercial purposes.

3. Registration in another state: If you have a four-wheeler registered in another state but plan to use it in Kerala.

These factors are crucial in determining the specific value of road tax in Kerala. To obtain precise tax calculations, it is advisable to refer to the Motor Vehicles Taxation Act. Alternatively, you can utilise online Kerala road tax calculator tools that can assist you in calculating the appropriate road tax. Such tools ensure accurate calculations based on the relevant parameters.

In Kerala, the two-wheeler taxation system differs from that of cars, particularly regarding road taxes. The following table presents the road tax rates applicable when purchasing a new two-wheeler in Kerala:

The tax rate mentioned above applies specifically to privately owned two-wheelers intended for personal use and not utilised for commercial or any other purposes. This distinction ensures that individuals who own such vehicles solely for personal transportation contribute their fair share of taxes.

In Kerala, you must pay road tax if you possess three-wheeler vehicles. The following table presents the tax amounts applicable for owning a three-wheeler vehicle in the state:

In Kerala, the road tax applicable to four-wheelers is determined based on the cost of the vehicle. The tax rate is generally calculated as a percentage of the vehicle's purchase value, considering the engine capacity rating measured in cc. The following table illustrates the road tax rates applicable to four-wheelers in Kerala:

In Kerala, commercial vehicles are subject to road tax payments on a five-year basis. The table below presents the road tax rates applicable to different categories of commercial vehicles:

When it comes to vehicles registered in other states and used in Kerala, the road tax is levied based on specific regulations. The road tax structure applicable to such vehicles in Kerala is as follows:

Remember: A one-time road tax after 15 years in Kerala will be levied during the vehicle registration process for certain types of non-transport vehicles. In the case of other vehicle types, tax payment is required annually unless the annual tax amount does not exceed ₹1,500/-, which can be paid for one year. If the annual tax exceeds ₹1,500/-, the payment period is reduced to three months. The provision also exists to collect taxes for a shorter duration from transport vehicles visiting the state for a brief period.

However, there are specific exemptions outlined in the legislation. Vehicles owned by individuals with disabilities, exclusively used for transportation, are exempt from Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) tax payment. Additionally, vehicles utilised solely for agricultural purposes can also claim exemption from tax payment.

To conveniently pay road tax in Kerala online, follow these steps:

• Open the official webpage of the Motor Vehicles Department of Kerala
• Locate and click on the 'Vehicles' tab on the website
• Look for the 'eTax - Online Tax Payment' option and click on it
• Enter the last five digits of your vehicle's chassis number and the vehicle number in the designated fields
• Provide your mobile number, Aadhar number, and email address as requested by the portal
• Fill in any additional details the portal may require and click 'Next' to proceed
• Your Kerala vehicle tax details, including the amount to be paid, will be displayed on the screen
• Choose your preferred payment method from the options provided on the portal
• Follow the instructions to complete the payment process securely

By following these steps, you can efficiently pay your road tax in Kerala through the online platform provided by the Motor Vehicles Department

To conveniently pay road tax in Kerala online, follow these steps:

• If you prefer to pay the road tax in Kerala offline, you can follow these steps:

• Locate and visit your city's nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO).

• Once at the RTO office, approach the single window counter and request a Parivahan Tax Form. This form is used explicitly for tax payment purposes.

• Fill out the Parivahan Tax Form wholly and accurately. Provide the necessary details, such as your vehicle information, owner details, and the tax amount you are liable to pay.

• Submit the filled-out form to the single-window officer and the appropriate tax amount. Based on their specific guidelines, ensure that you have the correct payment method accepted at the RTO office, such as cash or demand draft.

• The officer will verify the details and accept your payment. They will issue a receipt for the road tax payment in Kerala.

• Collect the receipt as proof of your road tax payment. Please keep it in a safe place for future reference.

The penalty for non-payment of road tax in Kerala is administered straightforwardly. Individuals who fail to pay the taxes for the first time are subject to a penalty of ₹100. In the case of repeated offences, a fixed penalty of ₹200 is imposed. It is vital to adhere to road tax regulations and fulfil tax obligations promptly to avoid incurring penalties.

Below is a list of some of the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Kerala:

To ensure a truly worry-free experience driving on the beautiful roads of Kerala, it is essential to choose two-wheeler or four-wheeler insurance plans that provide comprehensive coverage, regardless of the situation or the type of vehicle you own.

By selecting the right bike or car insurance plans, you can embark on your journeys with peace of mind, knowing you are adequately protected against unforeseen circumstances, and fully enjoy all that Kerala has to offer without any concerns about potential risks.

Regarding comprehensive vehicle insurance plans in Kerala, Tata AIG stands out as a reliable provider. We offer various insurance plans catering to various purposes and ownerships, ensuring you find coverage that meets your needs. You can also compare car insurance plans and bike policies online and select the one that perfectly fits your budget and requirements.

Our insurance plans are designed to provide extensive coverage against theft, accidents, natural disasters, and third-party liabilities. Also, with us, you can expect competitive premiums and deductibles, allowing you to balance affordability and the level of coverage you desire. Our commitment to prompt and hassle-free claim settlements ensures a smooth claims experience should the need arise.