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Key Highlights
- Road tax in Maharashtra is a compulsory fee for vehicle owners, helping maintain infrastructure and public transport.
- The tax amount depends on vehicle type, cost, engine capacity, weight, and usage.
- Road tax can be paid online via the Parivahan portal or offline at local RTO offices.
- Governed by the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Tax Act, timely payment ensures legal compliance and smooth vehicle registration.
Maharashtra is one of the largest and most developed states in India. It has busy cities, industrial hubs, and a vast network of roads to accommodate the growing vehicular density.With so many vehicles on the road, the state government collects a fee to maintain infrastructure, which is known as road tax in Maharashtra. It is a mandatory payment for vehicle owners and helps improve highways, bridges, and public transport.The tax amount depends on factors like vehicle type, cost, and usage. Paying road tax on time ensures smooth vehicle registration and legal compliance. Let’s delve deeper to understand the rules, rates, and importance of road tax in Maharashtra.
What is Road Tax?
Road tax is a fee that vehicle owners must pay to the government for using public roads. In India, it is collected by state governments under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 . The tax amount depends on the vehicle type, engine capacity, usage, and other factors.Each state has different road tax rates. For example, a person buying a car in Maharashtra may pay a different tax than someone buying the same car in West Bengal. This variation exists due to state-specific tax rules.Road tax helps the government maintain roads and develop infrastructure. Also Read - Find out how paying taxes is important for you and your country
Road Tax in Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, the state transport department collects road tax. The tax amount depends on the vehicle’s age, fuel type, engine capacity, and purpose of use.
The revenue from road tax is used for road maintenance, transport projects, and public transport subsidies.
How is Road Tax Calculated in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra calculates road tax based on several factors which are as follows:
- Seating Capacity : The number of passengers the vehicle can carry.
- Engine Capacity : Measured in cubic capacity (CC).
- Fuel Type : Petrol, diesel, or electric.
- Vehicle Cost : The total price of the vehicle.
- Weight : Heavier vehicles usually have higher taxes.
- Usage : Whether the vehicle is for private or commercial use.
- Age of Vehicle : Older vehicles may have lower tax rates.
Maharashtra provides an online road tax calculator on the Parivahan portal to help vehicle owners estimate their taxes. This makes it easier to know the exact amount payable based on your vehicle details. Also Read - Here's a quick guide to the calculation and payment of road tax in India
Maharashtra Road Tax Rules and Payment
Road tax in Maharashtra is governed by the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Tax Act, 1958 and the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Tax Rule, 1959. This tax applies to all motor vehicles used or kept for use within the state. The Maharashtra government updates the tax rates through official notifications from time to time.As per Section 4 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Tax Act, 1958, vehicle owners can pay road tax for different periods—annually, bi-annually, quarterly, or even for a single month.The tax calculation varies based on the type of vehicle:
- Motorcycles and Private Cars : Tax is based on the vehicle's cost.
- Goods Vehicles : Tax depends on the registered laden weight or gross weight.
- Passenger Vehicles : Tax is determined by seating capacity and the type of permit.
The maximum road tax amount in Maharashtra is capped at ₹20 lakh. Vehicle owners can check their tax details and make payments through the Parivahan portal. Now let's check the tax rates applicable for the different types of vehicles.
Road Tax in Maharashtra for Two-wheelers
The road tax for two-wheelers depends on their engine capacity and is levied one time. The rates are as follows:
| Engine Capacity | % of Cost (One Time) |
| Below 99cc | 10 |
| Between 100cc to 299cc | 11 |
| Above 300cc | 12 |
The minimum tax amount in the above case has to be ₹1,500. For two-wheelers, other than imported or individual, the tax value is set at 20% of the vehicle’s price.
Road Tax in Maharashtra for Motor Cars
For cars, the tax rates depend on the fuel variant and the price of the car. The rates are as follows:
| Fuel Type | Price Range (in ₹) | % of Cost (One-Time) |
| Petrol | Up to 10 lakh | 11 |
| 10 to 20 lakh | 12 | |
| Above 20 lakh | 13 | |
| Diesel | Up to 10 lakh | 13 |
| 10 to 20 lakh | 14 | |
| Above 20 lakh | 15 | |
| CNG/LPG | Up to 10 lakh | 7 |
| 10 to 20 lakh | 8 | |
| Above 20 lakh | 9 |
For petrol or diesel motor cars that are imported or not individual, the road tax is capped at 20% of the vehicle’s cost. For CNG motor cars, the rates are:
- 14% of the vehicle’s cost (for car prices up to ₹10 lakh)
- 16% of the vehicle’s cost (for car prices in the range of ₹10 - ₹20 lakh)
- 18% of the vehicle’s cost (for car prices above ₹20 lakh)
Road Tax in Maharashtra for Contract/Stage Carriages
For carriages, the seating capacity and the vehicle type impact the tax rates which are as follows:
| Vehicle Type | Seating Capacity | Road Tax |
| Motor Cabs (AR/TAXI) | 3 + 1 | ₹3850 (One-time) |
| 4 + 1 | ₹4950 (One-time) | |
| 5 + 1 | ₹6050 (One-time) | |
| 6 + 1 | ₹7150 (One-time) | |
| A/C Motor Cabs (Taxi) | 4 + 1 | ₹8800 (One-time) |
| Motor Cabs (Jeep) | 7 + 1 | ₹4494 (One-time) |
| 8 + 1 | ₹4496 (One-time) | |
| 9 + 1 10 + 1 11 + 1 12 + 1 | ₹4500 (One-time) | |
| Tourist Luxury Taxi (Non A/C) | 4 + 1 | ₹4000 (Annual Tax) |
| 5 + 1 | ₹5000 (Annual Tax) | |
| 6 +1 | ₹6000 (Annual Tax) | |
| Tourist Luxury Taxi (A/C) | 4 + 1 | ₹8000 (Annual Tax) |
| 5 + 1 | ₹10000 (Annual Tax) | |
| 6 + 1 | ₹12000 (Annual Tax) | |
| Tourist Luxury Taxi (Imported) | 4 + 1 | ₹12000 (Annual Tax) |
| 5 + 1 | ₹15000 (Annual Tax) | |
| 6 + 1 | 180000 (Annual Tax) | |
| Private Service vehicles (Non A/C) | ₹1000 per seat per year | |
| Private Service Vehicles A/C | ₹2000 per seat per year | |
| Ordinary Contract Carriages | 13 + 1 to 24 + 1 | ₹1700 per seat per year |
| Above 25 + 1 | ₹1900 per seat per year | |
| School Bus hired/owned by school for transportation of students | ₹100 per seat per year | |
| Private vehicles hired by schools for student transport | 1/3 of annual tax rate | |
| Private vehicles hired by schools for student transport and contract carriage | 2/3 of annual tax rate | |
| Private vehicles hired by schools for student transport and also used for other contract once a year | 2/3 of the quarterly rate for the usage period | |
| Drama/ Loknatya/ Tamasha/ Ochestra/ Vehicles owned by Companies | 1/3 of annual tax rate | |
| Tourist Bus | ₹5500 per seat per year | |
| A/C Bus | ₹6500 per seat per year | |
| Sleeper Bus | ₹7000 per seat per year | |
| Stage Carriage Bus M.V. Tax (City/Rural/AC service) | ₹71 per seat per year | |
| Stage Carriage Bus Passenger Tax (City Bus Service) | 3.5% of total fare | |
| Stage Carriage Bus Passenger Tax (Rural Bus Service) | 17.5% of total fare | |
| Stage Carriage Bus Passenger Tax (A/C Bus Service) | 5.5% of total fare |
Road Tax in Maharashtra for Goods Vehicles and Other Vehicles
The road tax rates for goods and other vehicles are as follows:
| Vehicle Type | GVW or UW (in Kgs) | Road Tax (in ₹) |
| Light Motor vehicles (Delivery Van) | Up to 750 | 8400 (One-time) |
| 751 to 1500 | 13650 (One-time) | |
| 1501 to 3000 | 18900 (One-time) | |
| 3001 to 4500 | 25200 (One-time) | |
| 4501 to 6000 | 31500 (One-time) | |
| 6001 to 7000 | 37800 (One-time) | |
| Medium and Heavy Motor Vehicle | 7501 to 9000 | 6450 (Annual Tax) |
| 9001 to 10500 | 7500 (Annual Tax) | |
| 10501 to 12000 | 8550 (Annual Tax) | |
| 12001 to 13500 | 9750 (Annual Tax) | |
| 13501 to 15000 | 10950 (Annual Tax) | |
| 15001 to 15500 | 11350 (Annual Tax) | |
| 15501 to 16000 | 11750 (Annual Tax) | |
| 16000 to 16500 | 12150 (Annual Tax) | |
| Above 16500 | ₹450 per 500 kg or part beyond 16500 kg | |
| Excavators | Up to 750 | ₹2000 (Annual Tax) |
| 751 to 1500 | ₹4000 (Annual Tax) | |
| 1501 to 2250 | ₹6000 (Annual Tax) | |
| Above 2250 | ₹900 per 500 kg or part beyond 2250 kg | |
| Tractor/ Crane/ Compressor/ Projector etc. | Up to 750 | ₹300 (Annual Tax) |
| 751 to 1500 | ₹400 (Annual Tax) | |
| 1501 to 2250 | ₹600 (Annual Tax) | |
| Above 2250 | ₹300 per 500 kg or part beyond 2250 kg | |
| Brake-down Van/ Towing Vehicle | ₹600 (Annual Tax) | |
| Ambulance | Up to 750 | ₹800 (Annual Tax) |
| Above 750 | ₹1200 (Annual Tax) | |
| Camper Van/ Coach | ₹5000 per sq. meter (excluding driver cabin) | |
| Battery Operated Vehicles | Tax exempted |
Road Tax in Maharashtra for Second Registration of Vehicles
The tax rate for a vehicle's second registration depends on the number of years since its first registration, affecting the applicable percentage. It is as follows:
| Years since the vehicle was registered | Applicable Road Tax Percentage (Based on Vehicle Value/Cost) |
| 1-2 | 95.80% |
| 2-3 | 94.30% |
| 3-4 | 86.7% |
| 4-5 | 81.80% |
| 5-6 | 76.60% |
| 6-7 | 71.20% |
| 7-8 | 65.60% |
| 8-9 | 59.60% |
| 9-10 | 53.40% |
| 10-11 | 46.90% |
| 11-12 | 39.90% |
| Above 12 | 32.70% |
How to Pay Road Tax in Maharashtra?
You can pay the road tax in Maharashtra online or offline. The process for each mode is explained below: Offline Payment
- Step 1 : To pay road tax offline, visit your nearest local or state RTO with all the relevant documents.
- Step 2 : Ask for an application form at the front desk. Also, ask for guidance on the payment process of road tax.
- Step 3 : Fill out the form accurately. Make sure to provide all the correct information. Mention all the details about your vehicle including type, date of purchase, date of registration, etc.
- Step 4 : Submit the properly filled form along with all relevant documents at the mentioned counter. Pay the asked tax amount.
- Step 5 : Remember to get the receipt of payment. This will be needed for any future reference.
Online Payment You can always pay the road tax from the convenience of your home. Here’s a detailed step-by-step process:
- Step 1 : Open the official Parivahan website.
- Step 2 : From the top menu, choose the 'Online Services' section and select 'Vehicle-Related Services'.
- Step 3 : Select your state ‘Maharashtra’ from the drop-down menu.
- Step 4 : Give your registration number, choose the relevant RTO from the drop-down menu, and click on ‘Proceed’.
- Step 5 : Select the ‘Services’ tab. Next, choose ‘Tax/Fee Services’.
- Step 6 : Select ‘Pay Your Tax’. Enter the registration number of your vehicle. Also, provide the chassis number’s last five characters.
- Step 7 : Once you provide the details, select ‘Verify Details’. A road tax collection form will be shown. Provide all the information here.
- Step 8 : Choose the ‘Payment’ option and then the ‘Confirm Payment’ option.
- Step 9 : After selecting your preferred mode of online payment, click on ‘Continue’.
- Step 10 : On successful payment transactions, a receipt will be provided. Download this receipt and save it on your computer. You can also take a printout of the same for any future enquiry.
Note : Remember to save and print the generated application form. This has your application number which will be needed for any future reference.
How to Find Amount for Road Tax in Maharashtra?
To get your tax amount details, follow these steps:
- Step 1 : Go to the Vahan Services website.
- Step 2 : From the top menu, choose the ‘Know Your MV Tax’ option.
- Step 3 : On the next page, give all the information accurately. Enter the captcha details correctly and select ‘Get Tax Details’.
- Step 4 : For private vehicles, select ‘Motor Cab’ from the drop-down menu. Then choose ‘Light Motor Vehicle’ from the available options.
Drive Safely and Comply with Road Tax Rules
Road tax in Maharashtra is an essential charge for vehicle owners just like vehicle insurance. Paying road tax on time ensures compliance with state regulations and supports better road facilities.You must also buy motor insurance to comply with the mandate of valid third-party coverage under the Motor Vehicles Act. The policy will help you avoid traffic fines and give financial assistance against third-party losses.A comprehensive policy is better for wider protection as you get covered for the damages that your vehicle might suffer. Explore, compare, and choose the right motor insurance plan and get financial security against unforeseen emergencies.To plan your taxes effectively, use efficient tax planning tools.
FAQS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you need an insurance certificate while paying road tax in Maharashtra?
Yes, an insurance certificate is one of the documents that need to be submitted while paying road tax.
What is the timeline after vehicle registration to pay road tax in Maharashtra?
In Maharashtra, vehicle owners must pay road tax within 30 days of registering their vehicle at the RTO (Regional Transport Office). Meeting this deadline helps avoid penalties and ensures compliance with tax rules.
Is it allowed to drive a vehicle from another state without paying road tax in Maharashtra?
Yes, you can use a vehicle registered in another state in Maharashtra without paying road tax for up to 11 months. However, if the vehicle remains in Maharashtra beyond this period, re-registration and road tax payment are required.
Is road tax in Maharashtra a one-time payment?
Road tax for private vehicles is usually a one-time payment, while commercial vehicles may have periodic tax payments.
How can I check my road tax amount in Maharashtra?
You can check your tax amount on the official Vahan Services website by entering your vehicle details.
What happens if road tax is not paid on time?
Late payment can lead to fines, penalties, and even legal action, depending on the delay.
Is road tax different for diesel, petrol, and CNG vehicles in Maharashtra?
Yes, tax rates vary based on fuel type, with diesel vehicles generally having higher tax rates than petrol and CNG vehicles.
Can I pay Maharashtra road tax online?
Yes, you can pay it online through the Parivahan website by selecting Maharashtra as your state.
Do I need to pay road tax if I use my vehicle only occasionally in Maharashtra?
Yes, if your vehicle is registered in Maharashtra or used regularly, road tax must be paid as per state rules.
Are electric vehicles exempt from road tax in Maharashtra?
Yes, battery-operated vehicles are currently exempt from road tax.
The information contained herein is generic in nature and is meant for educational purposes only. Nothing here is to be construed as an investment or financial or taxation advice nor to be considered as an invitation or solicitation or advertisement for any financial product. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and should seek independent professional advice prior to making any investment decision in relation to any financial product. Aditya Birla Capital Group is not liable for any decision arising out of the use of this information.
