Karnataka Road Tax

The state of Karnataka is a bustling economic and technical centre while also welcoming Lakhs of tourists each year to see its natural beauty and archaeological splendours. It is easy to imagine the stress put on the road network of the state. Karnataka’s state government is responsible for the upkeep of the entire road infrastructure of the state (except the national highways passing through it). This is a monumental task and requires a lot of money. This money is collected by the means of road tax, payable by every person who has a vehicle registered in the state. The road tax in Karnataka can be conveniently paid online or by visiting an RTO in person.

Why is Road Tax levied at State Level

The state of Karnataka accommodates about 6.7 crore people who are mainly dependent on road transport for their daily commutation. Along with heavy transportation for trade and commerce in the State, increasing private use of roadways demands maintenance. To manage the roads and traffic, the Government of Karnataka levies road tax on all the vehicles registered within the State.

Let us explore how the government collects road tax from vehicle owners and how much tax you need to pay as a resident of Karnataka.

Karnataka road tax online payment can be initiated by following the step by step process mentioned hereunder:

• Step 1: Visit the website of Parivahan.

• Step 2: Click on the ‘Vahan Service’ tab, and enter the details of your vehicle.

• Step 3: Find the ‘Pay Tax’ tab and click on it.

• Step 4: Enter your phone number and verify by entering the OTP.

• Step 5: Once the vehicle and tax details are displayed, ensure that they are correct.

• Step 6: After that, select the period for which you want to pay the tax.

• Step 7: Confirm the tax amount and make payment.

After successfully making the payment, an SMS will be sent to your mobile phone. If any issue arises while making online payment, you must contact the nearest RTO.

• The road tax in the state of Karnataka is slightly different from many other states in India. In Karnataka, irrespective of the purpose for which the vehicle is being used, the tax remains the same for that particular type of vehicle.

• The RTO charges you need to pay for your two-wheeler or four-wheeler in Karnataka depends on how old the vehicle is and its ex-showroom value.

• It is important to note that the rate of tax on battery operated cars and bikes is significantly lower since the Government of Karnataka is promoting use of eco-friendly means of transportation.

The following rates are applicable to the two-wheeler owners using their vehicles in Karnataka for personal purposes.

Whether you are an owner of a new car, or have an existing one in your garage, the following table is helpful for you to determine how much RTO charges you need to pay.

The road tax for commercial vehicles in Karnataka is imposed as follows:

• The Government of Karnataka allows you to continue using your vehicle on the state roads without payment of road tax for one year after it is due.

• If the owner does not pay the tax due amount even after one year of delay, then a heavy penalty is imposed by the government.

• If the payment is made late within the delayed period allowed by the government, no interest is charged on the same.

Now that you are aware of the road tax rates applicable in Karnataka, you can go ahead and timely pay all your dues. And if you are a new vehicle buyer, you possess all the necessary information on road tax applicable on your new vehicle. Having complied all the State road tax rules and regulations, you can enjoy driving across the scenic landscapes of Karnataka.