Tripura, a hidden treasure in the North-Eastern region of India, is well known for its scenic beauty and cultural diversity. Apart from the breathtaking landscapes, Tripura also takes pride in its well-kept transportation and roads, making it easy to move around the state.

To preserve this valuable utility, every car owner within the state's borders is required to pay a road tax. If you are a local or intend to make Tripura your permanent place of living, you must learn how the road tax system operates. 

This article will guide you through paying your road tax in Tripura and understanding the associated charges. It’s a must-read for anyone eager to explore the state’s scenic roads stress-free.

In Tripura, road tax is a compulsory charge a vehicle owner pays for driving on publicised roads. The collections are important for the proper upkeep of the state’s roads, such as building new ones, refurbishing old ones, and providing road safety services. This maintains order in transition, and in its absence, the RTO has the burden of collecting it.

The road tax you pay in Tripura depends on various factors, including the type of vehicle, engine capacity, age, and even its environmental impact.

Road tax in Tripura depends on the following factors:

1. Type of Your Vehicle

The type of vehicle plays a significant role in determining road tax. Whether it’s a two-wheeler, four-wheeler, or a vehicle registered in another state, the rates vary:

• Two-wheelers typically have a lower tax compared to larger vehicles.

• Four-wheelers, including SUVs and cars, are taxed more based on weight and engine size.

• Three-wheelers and vehicles from other states have unique tax rates based on their category.

2. Purpose of Usage: Personal or Commercial

The intended use of the vehicle, whether personal or commercial, also influences the tax:

• Personal vehicles, such as family cars or bikes, are taxed at a lower rate.

• Commercial vehicles like buses, taxis, and trucks incur higher taxes due to the greater wear and tear they cause on public roads.

3. Engine Capacity

Another key factor is engine capacity, measured in cubic centimetres (cc). Vehicles with larger engine capacities tend to attract higher taxes:

• Two-wheelers with engines below 125cc are charged lower taxes.

• Four-wheelers with large engines, such as SUVs and luxury sedans, face higher road taxes due to increased road usage and environmental impact.

4. Type of the Model of Your Vehicle

The vehicle's model, whether Standard, luxury, or sports, influences the amount of tax levied on its registration. It was noted that in addition to the usual models, some luxury and premium models are also subject to high tax rates on their registration fees due to their high value on the market and the more strain they cause on the roads.

5. Fuel Type

The fuel your vehicle runs on also affects the road tax. Vehicles powered by petrol, diesel, electricity, or hybrid technology have different rates:

The type of fuel used in your vehicle also affects the road tax. The rates for petrol, diesel, electricity or hybrid-powered vehicles are as illustrated below;

• Diesel vehicles are commonly subjected to steep taxation due to the need to preserve the environment

• Electric vehicles (EVs) may receive tax reductions or exemptions as they promote eco-friendly alternatives.

6. Ex-Showroom Price of Your Vehicle

The ex-showroom price is a great consideration when calculating road tax as it is the cost of the vehicle without tax and insurance. Due to this, expensive cars, such as super luxury vehicles and even expensive bikes, attract more tax than cheaper ones.

7. Seating Capacity

The seating capacity of a vehicle, mainly for commercial vehicles, plays a major role in determining road tax. Vehicles with higher seating capacities, like buses or passenger vans, are taxed more as they cause more road wear and are generally used for commercial purposes.

Paying your road tax online is a smart way to skip the long, exhausting queues. You can easily follow these steps for online road tax payment in Tripura:

Step 1: Visit the official website of e-Vahan, which is under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and select the option for tax payment.

Step 4: Press the 'Calculate Tax' button to identify your vehicle's tax bracket. Once confirmed, click 'Pay Tax' to begin the payment process.

Step 5: Select your preferred payment method and proceed to the next steps. After successfully completing the transaction, the bank will redirect you to the Checkpost application.

Be sure to print the receipt generated by the Checkpost after your payment has been processed.

According to the Tripura Motor Vehicles Tax Act of 1972 regulations, failing to pay the required road tax within the specified period can lead to severe legal consequences and hefty penalties for the vehicle owner.

Besides the original tax amount, any individual found guilty of violating this Act may face an additional penalty equal to 1.5 times the annual tax amount due. Moreover, any outstanding tax can be recovered as a fine, especially if the person has previously been convicted of an offence under this Act or its associated rules.