How to pay road tax online in Karnataka?

Posted on: Jan 29, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

How to pay road tax online in Karnataka?

Owning a vehicle in Karnataka brings the responsibility of paying road tax. This tax collected is utilised to maintain the state’s vast road network spanning over 91,959 km. Whether you own a private or commercial vehicle, paying road tax is mandatory. Like this, securing car insurance is also a must to comply with the law. This ensures protection in unforeseen circumstances. Let’s explore in detail Karnataka road tax.

Who Levies Road Tax in Karnataka?

In Karnataka, road tax is imposed on both private and commercial vehicles. This includes two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and larger vehicles. The road tax is collected at two levels:

1. Central Government Road Tax:

Managed by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), this tax is collected as toll fees for vehicles using toll roads.

2. State Government Road Tax:

Collected by Karnataka RTOs during vehicle registration. This tax is mandatory for all vehicles registered in the state.

Karnataka RTO Road Tax Calculation

The Karnataka state government calculates road tax based on several factors, including:

• Seating Capacity of the Vehicle:

Road tax is influenced by the number of passengers a vehicle can accommodate, with higher seating capacities generally attracting higher tax rates due to increased road usage impact.

• Cubic Capacity of the Engine:

The engine’s cubic capacity determines its power and efficiency; vehicles with larger engines typically face higher road tax, reflecting their greater environmental and infrastructure impact.

• Fuel Type:

Vehicles using petrol, diesel, electricity, or alternative fuels carry varied tax rates. Often, incentives are given for eco-friendly options to encourage sustainable practices.

• Vehicle Cost:

The tax percentage increases with the vehicle's purchase price, ensuring premium and luxury models contribute proportionally more towards state revenue.

• Vehicle Weight:

Heavier vehicles cause more wear and tear on roads, leading to higher tax rates to compensate for increased maintenance costs.

• Purpose (Private or Commercial Use):

Private vehicles usually incur lower taxes than commercial ones, which are taxed higher due to frequent usage and their impact on road infrastructure.

• Age of the Vehicle:

Older vehicles or those transferred from other states are taxed based on their depreciated value, ensuring fairness and reducing the financial burden on owners of aged vehicles.

Karnataka road tax calculator

The Parivahan portal offers a user-friendly Karnataka road tax calculator to estimate your tax obligations effortlessly. You can receive an accurate estimate of the payable road tax by entering key details like vehicle type, age, fuel type, and cost. This tool eliminates guesswork, making it convenient for vehicle owners to plan their finances.

Karnataka Road Tax for Cars and Four-Wheelers

The Karnataka government uses a tiered system to calculate road tax for cars and other four-wheelers based on their cost:

• Cars costing less than ₹5 lakh: 13% tax

• Cars costing ₹5–₹10 lakh: 14% tax

• Cars costing ₹10–₹20 lakh: 17% tax

• Cars costing over ₹20 lakh: 18% tax

• Electric vehicles: 4% tax

Karnataka Road Tax for Classic and Vintage Cars

Classic and vintage car owners enjoy affordable fixed tax rates, promoting the preservation of these iconic vehicles:

• Classic cars: ₹1000

• Vintage cars: ₹500

Karnataka Road Tax for Commercial Vehicles

Commercial vehicles are taxed similarly to private ones, with rates depending on their cost:

• Vehicles costing less than ₹5 lakh: 13% tax

• Vehicles costing ₹5–₹10 lakh: 14% tax

• Vehicles costing ₹10–₹20 lakh: 17% tax

• Vehicles costing over ₹20 lakh: 18% tax

Karnataka RTO Road Tax Calculation for Other State Vehicles

For vehicles registered in other states, the road tax in Karnataka is determined based on the duration of stay:

• Less than 30 days: No road tax

• 30 days to 11 months: Only address change required

• Over 11 months: Re-registration and lifetime road tax payment are mandatory

Karnataka RTO Road Tax Online Payment: A Step-By-Step Process

Paying road tax online in Karnataka is straightforward and efficient. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Visit the Parivahan Portal:

Open the official Parivahan website.

2. Navigate to Online Services:

Click “Online Services” and select “Vehicle-Related Services” from the options.

3. Select Karnataka:

From the dropdown menu, choose Karnataka as your state.

4. Enter Registration Details:

Provide your vehicle’s registration number and RTO information.

5. Choose Tax Payment Option:

Select “Tax/Fee Services” and click “Pay Your Tax.” This will direct you to the payment section.

6. Fill in Vehicle Details:

Enter required details like the chassis number and other vehicle information.

7. Verify and Pay:

Double-check all entered details, proceed with payment using your preferred method, and complete the process.

8. Download the Receipt:

After successful payment, download and save the receipt as proof of payment.

How to Find Out Your Karnataka Road Tax Amount Online?

To calculate your road tax online:

1. Visit the Vahan Services portal

2. Click “Know Your Tax Amount”

3. Enter vehicle details and captcha

4. Submit to view your tax details

Offline Payment of Road Tax in Karnataka

If you prefer offline payment, follow these steps:

1. Visit your local RTO

2. Fill out the application form with vehicle details

3. Submit supporting documents, including your vehicle registration certificate.

4. Pay the road tax at the counter and collect your receipt

Penalties for Non-Payment of Road Tax in Karnataka

Failure to pay road tax can result in fines or vehicle seizure. Penalties include:

• First Offence: Tax payment for the first two quarters

• Repeated Offences: Fines equal to or less than the annual tax

• Defaulters: One-time fine exceeding ₹300, extending to ₹500 for serial offenders.

List of RTOs in Karnataka

Karnataka has a total of 67 RTOs. Here are some important ones.

• Bangalore: RTO codes KA01–KA05

• Mysore: RTO codes KA09, KA55

• Tumkur: RTO codes KA06, KA64

• Mangalore: RTO code KA19

Conclusion

Paying road tax in Karnataka is essential for legal vehicle operation. Timely payment, whether online via the Parivahan portal or offline at local RTO offices, helps avoid penalties. Ensuring compliance ensures smooth vehicle registration and avoids complications, keeping vehicle owners in good standing with the law. Secure your vehicle with insurance, like comprehensive car insurance or third-party car insurance, for complete peace of mind.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

E-Challan Karnataka: Status and Track Traffic Violations

How to Check Traffic Challan Status in Gurugram

List of Traffic Fines & Rules in Bangalore

Mysuru Traffic e-Challan Status Online

Road Tax in India: A Comprehensive Guide