Road tax in Meghalaya helps develop its transport infrastructure. Under the Meghalaya Motor Vehicle Taxation Act, vehicle registration and renewal charges also apply. Two-wheelers' tax is between ₹1,100 to ₹2,990 for 10 years. Four-wheeler taxes range between 4% to 10 % of their original cost.

As of March 2023, Meghalaya had around 357,000 vehicles registered. This number continues to grow with the need. So, roads and infrastructure must be maintained, and the government is investing significantly in road tax. 

Keep reading to learn more about RTO charges and road tax in Meghalaya.

Road tax is a tax the government imposes on a vehicle for using publicly available roads. The registration fee varies depending on your region and vehicle type. It is typically paid during vehicle registration and can be a one-time or annual fee. 

It is the source of revenue, which is used for road infrastructure maintenance and development to ensure safer and improved road travel. Road tax also varies depending on vehicle type. Thus, road tax rates in Meghalaya differ for two-wheelers and four-wheelers.

Road tax in Meghalaya is calculated depending on the vehicle's age, type, and original cost. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

1. Vehicle Type

Different rates apply to various types of vehicles:

• Two-Wheelers: Rates of tax per motorcycle and scooter.

• Four-Wheelers: Cars, SUVs, and larger vehicles have different rates.

• Light Goods Vehicles: Tax for vehicles primarily used for transporting goods, such as small trucks and vans.

• Commercial Vehicles: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and transport trucks are charged higher rates for frequent use.

2. Vehicle Age

• New Vehicles: The road tax for vehicles less than a year old is calculated as a lump sum for a period of 10 years, and it is a longer-term payment option.

• Older Vehicles: The tax on vehicles that are 4 years old is charged for six years to encourage mechanical renewal of vehicles as soon as possible.

3. Original Cost

The tax rate is a percentage of the vehicle’s original cost:

• Four-Wheelers: The rate can vary from 4 to 10 percent, depending on the type of vehicle, and luxury and higher-value vehicles tend to attract higher rates.

• Two-Wheelers and Other Vehicles: They generally have lower percentage rates than four-wheelers

4. Additional Fees

• NOC Fees: To obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC), a fee of ₹20 is charged. This may be needed for vehicle registration or name transfer.

• Cancellation of NOC: If an NOC needs to be canceled, a fee of ₹50 will apply with proper documentation and compliance.

These factors together decide the total road tax payable for a vehicle in Meghalaya and the state's efforts to maintain its road infrastructure.

It is smart to pay your road tax online and avoid long queues. Follow these steps for online road tax payment in Meghalaya:

Step 1: Go to the official e-Vahan website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' official e-Vahan website and select the tax payment option.

Failure to pay road tax on time in Meghalaya will cost you substantially. If not paid, fines may be extended up to twice the due tax amount as a penalty for vehicle owners. Penalties for delays are specific at ₹35 for light motor vehicles and ₹702 for medium and heavy vehicles. Failure to pay can lead to financial and legal liabilities, and timely payment is crucial to avoid these fines.

If the tax is not paid for a prolonged period, the vehicle can be seized or face legal action. Individuals who fail to pay the tax on time may face fines in Meghalaya of double the amount of the due tax. By paying the road tax, drivers can avoid financial and legal liabilities and improve Meghalaya’s road infrastructure.