Kerala Road Tax

The Kerala state government levies road tax to those who purchase and own their own vehicles in Kerala based on the Kerala Motor Vehicles Taxation Act.

Updated On - 05 Sep 2025

Kerala (Capital City: Thiruvananthapuram) employs road taxes on the basis of the Kerala Motor Vehicles Taxation Act 1976 which provides for tax cover as per the type of vehicle.

Once the road taxes are paid in full, you will receive a tax license which can be produced to show your payments whenever required.

Kerala Road Tax

How to Calculate Road Tax in Kerala?

In Kerala, road tax is required to be paid at the time of car purchase. The following variables influence how much tax is owed to the government -

  1. If your vehicle registered in a different state and intended for usage in Kerala.
  2. If you are purchasing a four- or two-wheeler
  3. Whether the car is used for personal or professional purposes
  4. Passenger capacity
  5. Age of the applicant

The aforementioned variables affect Kerala's road tax's worth. To find out which class your vehicle is in for precise tax calculations, it is important to study the Motor Vehicles Taxation Act.

Kerala road taxes are calculated on various factors such as purpose of vehicle, weight, passenger capacity, engine power, age etc. The taxes are calculated and paid out on a one-time basis.

The taxes are exempted in case of vehicles owned and operated by physically disabled people. Tax exemptions are also available for vehicles used for agricultural purposes.

Tax on Two-Wheelers in Kerala

Road tax is applicable on the basis of purchase value of the vehicle in question. This is calculated as per the following table:

Class

One time Tax

New Motorcycles

10% - 21% of purchase value

New Three wheelers

8% of purchase value

Note: The rates above are applicable only on private non-transport vehicles.

Tax on Four-Wheelers in Kerala

Taxes are applicable as per the purchase value of the vehicle. Calculations are done as follows:

Class of the Vehicle

One time Tax

Automobiles (NTV, personal usage) and private vehicles with up to Rs.5 lakhs in purchasing value

9%

Vehicles with a purchasing value between Rs.5 lakhs and Rs.10 lakhs

11%

Vehicle with purchasing value between Rs.10 lakhs and Rs.15 lakhs

13%

Vehicle with purchasing value between Rs.15 lakhs and Rs.20 lakhs

16%

Vehicles with purchasing value more than Rs.20 lakhs

21%

Road Tax on Commercial Vehicles in Kerala

Taxes are applicable as per the purchase value of the vehicle. Calculations are done as follows: 

Vehicle Category of vehicle 

Tax Rate for 5 years 

Mechanical bikes and old motorcycles 

₹900 

Mechanical tricycles, three-wheelers, rickshaws (not used for goods transport or passengers) 

₹900 

New auto-rickshaws/auto rickshaws registered in other states 

₹2,500 

Old cabs 

₹7,000 

Tourist cabs 

₹8,500 

Motor cars not weighing more than 750 kg 

₹6,400 

Kerala Road Tax for Vehicle Registrations from Other States

Kerala road tax on vehicles from other states is defined under the following criteria:

Age of Vehicle

Tax Payable

1 year and less

100% of purchase value

More than 1 year and up to 2 years

93% of purchase value

More than 2 years and up to 3 years

87% of purchase value

More than 3 years and up to 4 years

80% of purchase value

More than 4 years and up to 5 years

73% of purchase value

More than 5 years and up to 6 years

67% of purchase value

More than 6 years and up to 7 years

60% of purchase value

More than 7 years and up to 8 years

53% of purchase value

More than 8 years and up to 9 years

47% of purchase value

More than 9 years and up to 10 years

40% of purchase value

More than 10 years and up to 11 years

33% of purchase value

More than 11 years and up to 12 years

27% of purchase value

More than 12 years and up to 13 years

20% of purchase value

More than 13 years and up to 14 years

13% of purchase value

More than 14 years and up to 15 years

7% of purchase value

Note: The rates above are applicable only on private non-transport vehicles.

How to Pay Road Tax in Kerala Online?

Follow the steps mentioned below to pay road tax in Kerala online:

Step 1: Go to the webpage of the Motor Vehicles Department.

Step 2: Navigate to the 'Vehicles' tab.

Step 3: Select the 'eTax - Online Tax Payment' option from the screen that appears.

Step 4: Enter your vehicle number and your chassis number in the fields with the last five digits.

Step 5: Details about your car will show up. Enter your email address, mobile number, and Aadhar number now.

Step 6: After entering any information requested by the site, click "Next."

Step 7: Your tax information will be shown.

Step 8: Use your chosen payment option to make your payment.

You can pay the road tax by approaching any of the district Regional Transport Office (RTO) office and filling up the relevant forms. The forms will ask you for details such as license and registration as well as vehicle details, which has to be submitted along with the requisite tax amount.

On payment, a tax challan is given out which is a confirmation of dues paid with regards to road taxes.

Penalty Charges for Non-Payment of Road Tax in Kerala

  1. In Kerala, if vehicle owners fail to make the Kerala vehicle tax payment in time and in full, the penalty charges are fixed at ₹100 for first-time defaulters.
  2. For second-time offenders, a penalty of ₹200 is imposed.

FAQs on Road Tax in Kerala

  • How is road tax calculated in Kerala?

    Road tax in Kerala is calculated based on vehicle type, engine capacity, cost, age, and intended usage.

  • Is there a Kerala Road tax calculator available online?

    Yes, you can use the Kerala road tax calculator.

  • How to check my road tax in Kerala?

      To check your road tax in Kerala, visit Vahan Portal, enter the required details, and retrieve your tax status.  

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