In Arunachal Pradesh, registering a vehicle or renewing it requires road tax payment. The RTO can set fees and plays a crucial function in improving and sustaining the state's roads. 

In 2024, the state revised the road tax structure and RTO fees to improve vehicle registration while adhering to national transport guidelines. Whenever you consider buying a new vehicle or changing registration, it is crucial to know the specific charges to prevent legal issues. 

Read on for a detailed explanation of road taxes in Arunachal Pradesh, along with related vehicle RTO charges.

Vehicle owners must pay a road tax at the state level to access public roads. This fee, a one-time expense or an ongoing charge, should be paid along with vehicle registration. 

State authorities spend these funds on enhancing and expanding road infrastructure in the area. Tax payment fluctuates depending on the type and weight of the vehicle and state-specific laws.

Road tax in Arunachal Pradesh is calculated based on the following parameters:

1. Vehicle Type

A primary factor determining road tax calculation is the vehicle type. As a result, the amount of road tax you need to pay usually depends upon whether you have a two-wheeler, three-wheeler, car, or vehicles registered in other states:

• Two-wheelers are generally taxed based on their engine capacity, and their rates are usually lower than those of larger vehicles. 

• Four-wheelers (cars and SUVs) are taxed depending on fuel type and purchasing costs.

• Three-wheelers are taxed based on their seating capacity.

• Vehicles from other states are taxed based on their stay in Arunachal Pradesh.

2. Engine Capacity

A vehicle’s engine capacity, measured in cubic centimetres (cc), is another essential factor when calculating road tax in Arunachal Pradesh. In this regard, vehicles with higher engine capacity generally attract higher taxes. Thus:

• Two-wheelers with engine capacity below 125 cc usually have lower road tax.

• Four-wheelers with larger engine capacities, like SUVs and luxury sedans, generally have higher road taxes.

3. Usage: Personal or Commercial

The amount of road tax payable also depends upon whether the vehicle is for personal or commercial usage:

• Personal vehicles, such as family cars, bikes, scooters, etc., have lower road tax rates and are payable on a one-time basis. 

• Commercial vehicles like buses, taxis and trucks have higher tax rates that are payable annually.   

5. Fuel Type

The road tax rates also tend to differ based on the vehicle’s fuel type. Thus, the tax rate will vary depending on whether your bike/car runs on petrol, diesel, CNG/LPG, or electricity. In this regard:

• Diesel-powered vehicles have higher road tax rates due to environmental concerns.

• Electric vehicles (EVs) usually get road tax exemption at registration due to the Government’s efforts to encourage eco-friendly transportation.

5. Type of Model

The model of your vehicle (standard, sports, or luxury) also tends to impact the road tax amount. Due to their high market value, luxury and high-end vehicle models usually attract higher taxes than standard models.  

6. Seating Capacity

Some commercial vehicles' road tax amount depends on their passenger carrying capacity. Thus, automobiles with higher seating capacities, like buses and multi-passenger vans, generally have a higher road tax rate as they are primarily used for commercial purposes and cause higher wear and tear on public roads.

7. Ex-Showroom Price

Another crucial determinant of road tax is the vehicle’s ex-showroom price. As a result, higher-priced automobiles, such as high-end luxury cars and imported motorcycles, have higher road tax rates.

To pay road tax online in Arunachal Pradesh, follow the steps listed below:

In Arunachal Pradesh, you must pay the road tax within 30 days of registering your vehicle. If you fail, you are liable to pay a penalty. 

For first-time offenders, the fine ranges from ₹500 to a one-time tax for that vehicle category. However, the penalty may rise to even ₹5,000 for repeat offenders.