Road Tax in Punjab & Vehicle RTO Charges in 2025
Punjab is known for its historical, fertile land and spirituality centre, the Golden Temple in Amritsar. If you are a resident or are about to settle down in this state, you should know about the road tax as per the Punjab Motor Vehicles Taxation Act of 1924.
This is to ensure proper upkeep of the state’s interstate highway system and all roads linking towns and cities together.
This article will guide you through the workings of road tax in Punjab and explain how to pay it without any hassle.
What is Road Tax?
Road tax is a vital income component for the government and, therefore, undertakers and develops roads in conjunction with the state’s road net. Those possessing cars or those with two wheels, as well as those with more than two wheels, every person who possesses a vehicle is expected to pay the due tax.
With digitalisation at its forefront, Punjab became the first state to introduce the VAHAN and SARATHI systems, facilitating seamless tax payments and vehicle-related services. The Punjab government taxes every vehicle owner to collect money to maintain the roads and enable movement in the province.
Road Tax for Two Wheelers in Punjab
In Punjab, road tax for two-wheelers depends on engine capacity and the vehicle's ex-showroom price. Generally, bikes with smaller engines have lower tax rates, while those with larger engines or premium models attract higher taxes.
Vehicle Age | Two-wheelers with Unladen Weight of up to 95 kg | Two-wheelers with Unladen Weight of more than 95 kg |
Less than 3 years | ₹120 | ₹400 |
Between 3 and 6 years | ₹90 | ₹300 |
Between 6 and 9 years | ₹60 | ₹200 |
Older than 9 years | ₹30 | ₹100 |
Road Tax for Four Wheelers in Punjab
For four-wheelers, the road tax is determined by various factors such as the vehicle's weight, type, make, and age. The tax brackets for personal-use four-wheelers are shown in the table below:
Vehicle Age | Upto 4 seats | Upto 5 seats | Upto 6 seats |
Less than 3 years | ₹1,800 | ₹2,100 | ₹2,400 |
Between 3 and 6 years | ₹1,500 | ₹2,100 | ₹2,400 |
Between 6 and 9 years | ₹1,200 | ₹1,200 | ₹1,200 |
Older than 9 years | ₹900 | ₹750 | ₹7,500 |
Road Tax for Commercial Vehicles in Punjab
Commercial vehicles bear a higher road tax due to the greater wear and tear they cause on the roads. This tax is calculated based on the vehicle's weight, seating capacity, and commercial use.
The table below outlines the charges for commercial or transport vehicles in Punjab:
Motor Vehicle Category | Applicable Road Tax |
Tractor, Motor Car or Omnibus | ₹200 |
Any Other Kind of Motor Vehicles | ₹1,500 |
Road Tax for Three Wheelers in Punjab
In the case of three-wheelers, the road tax in Punjab primarily depends on the vehicle's intended purpose. More detailed information can be found in the table below:
Vehicle Group | Annual Road Tax |
Tractor, Motor Car or Omnibus | ₹4,000 per annum for every 50 vehicles or part thereof |
Any Other Kind of Motor Vehicles | ₹8,000 per annum for every 50 cars or part thereof |
Road Tax for Other State Vehicle in Punjab
Vehicles registered in other states but operating in Punjab are taxed according to their period of stay and specific attributes. Usually, the tax amount corresponds to the original registration tax paid in the home state.
Check the table below for more details:
Type of Vehicle | Tax Rate |
Tractor, Motor Car or Omnibus | ₹200 |
Any Other Kind of Motor Vehicles | ₹1,500 |
How is the Road Tax in Punjab Calculated?
Road tax in Punjab is influenced by several factors, including:
1. Type of Your Vehicle
The type of vehicle significantly affects the road tax calculation. Whether you own a two-wheeler, four-wheeler, or a vehicle registered in another state, the rates differ:
Two-wheelers usually attract lower taxes compared to larger vehicles.
Four-wheelers, such as cars and SUVs, have higher taxes based on weight and engine size.
Three-wheelers and out-of-state vehicles follow a separate tax structure unique to their category.
2. Purpose of Usage: Personal or Commercial
The vehicle’s purpose—whether for personal or commercial use—also impacts the tax:
Personal vehicles like family cars or motorcycles are taxed at a lower rate.
Commercial vehicles, including buses, trucks, and taxis, pay higher taxes because they cause more road wear.
3. Engine Capacity
Another critical factor is engine capacity, measured in cubic centimetres (cc). Vehicles with higher engine capacities usually attract higher taxes:
Two-wheelers with an engine size under 125cc incur lower taxes.
Four-wheelers, such as SUVs and luxury cars with larger engines, are taxed more due to their significant road impact and environmental footprint.
4. Type of the Model of Your Vehicle
The model and type of vehicle—whether standard, luxury, or sports—also influence the tax amount. While standard models follow typical tax rates, luxury and premium vehicles face higher charges due to their market value and heavier strain on road infrastructure.
5. Fuel Type
Fuel type plays a vital role in determining the road tax. Vehicles running on petrol, diesel, electricity, or hybrid technologies all have different tax rates:
Diesel vehicles often face higher taxes to encourage environmental preservation.
Electric vehicles (EVs) may benefit from tax discounts or exemptions as they support eco-friendly transportation.
6. Ex-Showroom Price of Your Vehicle
The ex-showroom price, which is the cost of the vehicle before tax and insurance, is a critical factor in calculating road tax. Expensive cars, like luxury sedans or high-end motorcycles, incur higher taxes than affordable vehicles.
7. Seating Capacity
Seating capacity plays a significant role in determining road tax for commercial vehicles. Vehicles with larger capacities, such as buses and passenger vans, are taxed more due to the higher wear they cause and their commercial nature.
How to Pay Road Tax in Punjab Online?
Paying road tax online is an easy and convenient way to avoid long, exhausting queues. You can swiftly complete your payment by following these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official e-Vahan portal and find the ‘Tax Payment’ section. This is where your online tax payment journey starts.
Step 3: Once the page loads, enter your vehicle’s registration number in the ‘Vehicle No.’ field and press ‘Get Details’. The system will automatically fill in the remaining details for you.
Step 4: After filling in all required information, click the ‘Calculate Tax’ button to determine the applicable tax rate on your vehicle. Upon the appearance of the tax figure, click ‘Pay Tax’ and proceed.
Step 5: Select your preferred mode of payment and proceed to make the payment. Once the payment has been concluded, you will be taken to the Checkpost application via your bank.
Remember to save the payment receipt, probably by taking a snapshot. This acts primarily as evidence of your payment; if you need to refer to it in the future, you can do so without any trouble.
As such, following these simple guidelines, you can quickly pay your road tax wherever you may go without the need to visit any RTO office.
Penalty for Not Paying Road Tax in Punjab
All vehicle owners in Punjab must pay road tax at the time of registration. In noncompliance with this regulation, there can be heavy fines of ₹1,000 or more up to ₹5,000. In extreme cases, such as escalating penalties, state officials may even seize the essential papers of your automobile. That is why paying your road tax dues on time is better.
List of RTOs in Punjab
Below is a list of RTOs across Punjab where road tax payments can be made:
RTO Code | RTO Location |
PB-01 | Chandigarh |
PB-02 | Amritsar |
PB-03 | Bathinda |
PB-04 | Ferozepur |
PB-05 | Faridkot |
PB-06 | Gurdaspur |
PB-07 | Hoshiarpur |
PB-08 | Jalandhar |
PB-09 | Kapurthala |
PB-10 | Ludhiana |
PB-11 | Patiala |
PB-12 | Ropar |
PB-13 | Sangrur |
PB-14 | Ajnala |
PB-15 | Abohar |
PB-16 | Anandpur Sahib |
PB-17 | Baba Bakala |
PB-18 | Batala |
PB-19 | Barnala |
PB-20 | Balachaur |
PB-21 | Dasuya |
PB-22 | Fazilka |
PB-23 | Fatehgarh Sahib |
PB-24 | Garhshankar |
PB-25 | Jagraon |
PB-26 | Khanna |
PB-27 | Kharar |
PB-28 | Malerkotla |
PB-29 | Moga |
PB-30 | Muktsar |
PB-31 | Mansa |
PB-32 | Nawanshahr |
PB-33 | Nakodar |
PB-34 | Nabha |
PB-35 | Pathankot |
PB-36 | Phagwara |
PB-37 | Phillaur |
PB-38 | Patti |
PB-39 | Rajpura |
PB-40 | Rampura Phul |
PB-41 | Sultanpur Lodhi |
PB-42 | Samana |
PB-43 | Samrala |
PB-44 | Sunam |
PB-45 | Talwandi Sabo |
PB-46 | Tarn Taran |
PB-47 | Zira |
PB-48 | Amloh |
PB-49 | Khamano |
PB-50 | Budhlada |
PB-51 | Jhunir / Sardulgarh |
PB-52 | Bassi Pathana |
PB-53 | Malout |
PB-54 | Mukerian |
PB-55 | Payal |
PB-56 | Raikot |
PB-57 | Bholath |
PB-58 | Dera Baba Nanak |
PB-59 | Dhuri |
PB-60 | Gidderbaha |
PB-61 | Jalalabad |
PB-62 | Jaitu |
PB-63 | Khadoor Sahib |
PB-64 | Moonak |
PB-65 | Mohali |
PB-66 | Nihal Singh Wala |
PB-67 | Shahkot |
PB-68 | Dhar Kalan |
PB-69 | Bagha Purana |
PB-70 | Dera Bassi |
PB-71 | Chamkaur Sahib |
PB-72 | Patran |
PB-73 | Tappa Mandi |
PB-74 | Nangal |
PB-75 | Lehra |
PB-76 | Ahmedgarh |
PB-77 | Guru Harsahai |
PB-78 | Banga |
PB-79 | Kotkapura |
PB-80 | Malur Mandi |
Paying road tax on time is crucial to avoid fines. For added convenience, you can also pay road tax online in Punjab. Ensure you don’t default on your road tax to stay compliant and support the government’s infrastructure efforts.
FAQs about Road Tax in Punjab
What are the penalties for non-payment of road tax in Punjab?
Failing to pay road tax in Punjab during vehicle registration can result in significant penalties, ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000.
What is the RTO tax rate in Punjab?
The road tax rate in Punjab is 1.5% of the cost of two-wheelers. For four-wheelers, owners are required to pay 2% of the purchase price.
How can I find my Punjab road tax amount online?
To check your road tax status online, visit the Parivahan Sewa website. Select the "Know Your Vehicle Details" option, enter your vehicle number and the verification code, and click "Vahan Search."
How can I pay Punjab road tax offline?
To pay road tax offline, visit your nearest RTO and complete the payment in cash or by demand draft.
Which parameters are considered while calculating road tax in Punjab?
Road tax calculation in Punjab depends on factors such as the type of vehicle, engine capacity, and the vehicle's purpose of use.
Which department is responsible for collecting Punjab road tax?
The Punjab State Transport Department is in charge of collecting road tax.
Can I drive vehicles from other states in Punjab?
Yes, vehicles registered in other states can be driven in Punjab. However, if the vehicle remains in Punjab for an extended period, you may be required to pay road tax.
Which vehicles are exempt from road tax in Punjab?
Electric and agricultural vehicles are generally exempt from paying road tax in Punjab.
When should road tax be paid?
Road tax must be paid to the taxation authority in the state where the vehicle is registered within one month of registration.
How can I check my road tax in Punjab?
Visit the VAHAN website, enter your vehicle’s registration details, and access your road tax information through the portal.