Road Tax in Tamil Nadu: Two-Wheeler & Car Tax Explained

Motor Blog
10 Apr 2026
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Contents

Tamil Nadu Road Tax Calculation: What is the Process?
What is the Two-Wheeler Road Tax in Tamil Nadu?
How Much is the Road Tax for Cars in Tamil Nadu?
What is the Road Tax in Tamil Nadu for Three-Wheelers?
How Much is the Road Tax for Commercial Vehicles in Tamil Nadu?
Documents You Need for Payment of Road Tax in Tamil Nadu
How to Pay Tamil Nadu Road Tax Online?
What are the Steps to Pay Tamil Nadu Road Tax Offline?
What is the Penalty for Non-Payment of Road Tax in Tamil Nadu?
Final Word
Frequently Asked Questions

Are you planning to buy a bike or a car in Tamil Nadu? Well, then, before you hit the road, understanding the road tax in Tamil Nadu is a must.

It is a one-time or periodic fee that helps your vehicle operate legally on the public roads of this state. In fact, as per the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1974, this tax has to be paid within 7 to 45 days on a quarterly or half-yearly basis. In this guide, we will discuss the tax rate across every type of vehicle and answer the common question: What are the road tax rates in Tamil Nadu for 2026? Read on.

Tamil Nadu Road Tax Calculation: What is the Process?

While purchasing a new vehicle in Tamil Nadu, it is essential to calculate how much road tax you have to pay. This is why, in case you have purchased a new car, check the following factors, which will determine the tax amount.

1. Vehicle Type: If it's a two-wheeler, four-wheeler or three-wheeler.

2. Engine Capacity (CC): With a higher engine capacity, you will attract a higher tax rate.

3. Fuel Type: The tax rate would be different across petrol, diesel and CNG.

4. Vehicle Age: Older vehicles are generally subject to lower tax, as their value gets reduced by depreciation.

5. Weight of Vehicle: The weight and the weight-carrying capacity of the vehicle determine the tax.

6. Ex-showroom Price: High-priced vehicles are subject to significantly more tax.

Now that you know how your road tax in Tamil Nadu is determined, check the following sections to find out the road tax across different vehicle types.

Also Read: How to Check Challan in Odisha: Online or Offline

What is the Two-Wheeler Road Tax in Tamil Nadu?

Age of the Vehicle	Taxation Rate (Approximately)
0-1 year	7.75%
1-2 years	7.5%
2-3 years	7.25%
3-4 years	7%
4-5 years	6.75%
5-6 years	6.5%
6-7 years	6.25%
7-8 years	6%
8-9 years	5.75%
9-10 years	5.5%
10-11 years	5.25%
More than 11 years	5%

How Much is the Road Tax for Cars in Tamil Nadu?

Here are the road taxes for 4-wheelers in Tamil Nadu based on the average ex-showroom price rate:

Age of the Veichele	Taxation Rate (For Cars up to ₹10 lakh)	Taxation Rate (For Cars Above ₹10 lakh)
0-1 year	8.75%	13.75%
1-2 years	8.5%	13.5%
2-3 years	8.25%	13.25%
3-4 years	8%	13%
4-5 years	7.75%	12.75%
5-6 years	7.5%	12.5%
6-7 years	7.25%	12.25%
7-8 years	7%	12%
8-9 years	6.5%	11.75%
9-10 years	6.75%	11.25%
10-11 years	6.25%	11.5%
More than 11 years	6%	11%

Even after paying road tax in Tamil Nadu, owning a motor insurance policy from a trusted provider such as Bajaj General Insurance is mandatory to remain legally compliant. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 2019, riding without insurance can attract fines ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 and may even lead to imprisonment for up to three years.

Also Read: How to Check Challan in Maharashtra: Online or Offline?

What is the Road Tax in Tamil Nadu for Three-Wheelers?

The tax rate of the three-wheelers in Tamil Nadu is generally based on 4% of your vehicle’s value. For instance, if the value of your vehicle is ₹2,00,000, you have to pay a road tax of ₹8,000.

How Much is the Road Tax for Commercial Vehicles in Tamil Nadu?

For the owners of commercial vehicles in Tamil Nadu, road tax will be based on the payload. Check the table below to find out the details of road tax rates for the same:

Load Capacity of the Vehicle	Taxation Rate Per Every Three Months (in ₹)
3,000 kg max weight	600
From 3,000 to 5,500 kg	950
From 5,500 to 9,000 kg	1,500
From 9,000 to 12,000 kg	1,900
From 12,000 Kg to 13,000 Kg	2,100
From 13,000 Kg to 15,000 Kg	2,500
Above 15,000 Kg	2,300 (Additional ₹50 for each 250 Kg or over 15,000 Kg)

Disclaimer: The road tax regulations are subject to change. This is why it is always advisable to check the latest rules on the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Department website at the time of vehicle registration.

Documents You Need for Payment of Road Tax in Tamil Nadu

To pay the Tamil Nadu road tax for a tourist vehicle, car or any other two-wheeler vehicle, you will need the documents as mentioned below:

1. A motor insurance certificate

2. Vehicle registration certificate (RC)

3. Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

4. Identity proof of the owner, such as an Aadhaar card, a voter ID, etc.

5. No Objection Certificate (Only for re-registering a vehicle from a different state)

6. Address Proof (e.g. ration card, or bank statement)

7. Form 16 (for commercial vehicles)

8. Form number KMVT14 (In case of re-registering a vehicle from a different state)

Also Read: RTO Number Plate Rules: Format & Guidelines

How to Pay Tamil Nadu Road Tax Online?

The following section details the steps to pay your Tamil Nadu road tax online.

1. Step 1: Visit the official Parivahan website.

2. Step 2: Select the "Online Services" and select the "Vehicles Related Services" option.

3. Step 3: After entering the new page, navigate to the dropdown list to choose the state of Tamil Nadu and then select your local RTO.

4. Step 4: Now, enter your vehicle's registration number and all the required information.

5. Step 5: Once you have verified all the details, pay your Tamil Nadu road tax online and download the soft copy of the receipt.

What are the Steps to Pay Tamil Nadu Road Tax Offline?

If you want to pay road tax in Tamil Nadu without an internet connection, follow these steps below:

1. Step 1:Visit your nearest RTO office in Tamil Nadu.

2. Step 2: Submit the documents as mentioned in the previous section.

3. Step 3: Pay your road tax and collect the receipt from the office.

What is the Penalty for Non-Payment of Road Tax in Tamil Nadu?

Non-payment of road tax in Tamil Nadu is considered a serious offence, which is subject to a heavy penalty under the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicle Taxation Act.

In case your taxes are unpaid for more than 4 weeks after the due date, the law in Tamil Nadu allows authorities to levy a penalty of up to 100% of the total tax amount. Apart from that, if any individual is caught driving without paying the road tax, their car will be seized by the Tamil Nadu legal authorities as a result of the violation.

Also Read: How to Check Challan in Jharkhand: Online or Offline?

Final Word

It is essential to pay road tax in Tamil Nadu to drive around the state without any legal hassles. These taxes are primarily used by the Public Works Department to maintain and develop road infrastructure.

Along with fulfilling this responsibility, ensure to purchase and timely renew motor insurance to avoid any potential financial liability.

If you are confused about which policy to choose, purchase the comprehensive motor insurance plan from Bajaj General Insurance now! With its all-around protection, you can protect your vehicle from both third-party liability and personal damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get coverage for the tax amount in my motor insurance?

Yes, you can get coverage for taxes in your motor insurance claim through the Return to Invoice (RTI) add-on. This coverage is specifically designed to ensure you receive the car's original on-road price, including taxes, in case of total loss or theft.

Is it not necessary to pay road tax in Tamil Nadu for an electric vehicle?

Yes, it is currently not necessary to pay road tax on electric vehicles (EVs) in Tamil Nadu. The state government has issued a 100% exemption on motor vehicle tax for all battery-operated private and commercial vehicles until December 31, 2027.

Will the road tax amount affect the insurance premium?

No, your road tax amount does not directly affect your insurance premium. Although both of these are mandatory for vehicle ownership, the calculation of the motor insurance premium is based on factors like Insured Declared Value (IDV), owner’s location and also the car’s make, model and variant.

Do I have to pay road tax if I buy a second-hand car in Tamil Nadu?

No, if the first owner has already cleared the tax, you do not have to pay tax again for your second-hand car in Tamil Nadu. However, while transferring the Registration Certificate (RC), you need to ensure that the seller has cleared all previous tax liabilities to avoid any legal obligation.

What is the road tax on other state vehicles in Tamil Nadu?

For vehicles operating for up to 12 months, it is mandatory to pay the road tax based on the current value, age, and type of the vehicle. Meanwhile, if a vehicle is in Tamil Nadu for a shorter duration, only valid documentation, such as insurance proof or pollution certificate, will be required.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.