Road Tax in Maharashtra: Road Tax Rates and Vehicle Registration Tips

Buying a new or used vehicle in Maharashtra? There's one thing you can't find your way around, road tax. It's not just paperwork; it’s what gives your wheels the legal go-ahead to hit the tarmac. Each state plays by its own rules, and Maharashtra’s tax system has different slabs and exemptions that may be difficult to understand. In this article, we break down the road tax in Maharashtra, how it’s calculated, what you’ll pay, and how to get it done in a stress-free manner. 

Who Needs to Pay Road Tax in Maharashtra?

Road tax is a legal necessity if you own any motor vehicle and intend to use it on the roads of Maharashtra. This covers two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and electric vehicles, both privately and commercially owned.

Even in case you have a vehicle in some other state that you wish to bring to Maharashtra, you will have to re-register it locally and pay the road tax in Maharashtra as per the current value of your vehicle and the category.

How is Road Tax Calculated in Maharashtra?

Maharashtra has a percentage model to calculate the road tax. The amount depends on a set of factors, which include:

• Vehicle type (2-wheeler, 4-wheeler)
• Fuel type (petrol, diesel, electric)
• Ex-showroom price
• Vehicle usage (private or commercial)
• Age of the vehicle (new or used)
• Registration location (Mumbai Metro Region may differ)

Example: If you purchase a new petrol hatchback priced at ₹8 lakhs, and the applicable rate is 11%, your one-time road tax would be ₹88,000.

Maharashtra Road Tax Rates (One-Time for New Vehicles)

Two-Wheelers

Four-Wheelers (Private/Personal Cars)

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

• Fully exempt from road tax, no upfront fees.
• Exception from April 2025: EVs priced over ₹30 Lakh face a 6% road tax 

Key Notes

• Re-registration / 2nd-time registration, Older vehicles (more than 1 year) are taxed using depreciated rates (e.g., second year 97.2%, and over 12 years 32.7%)
• Seat/usage-based slabs apply to commercial vehicles and 3-wheelers (e.g., ₹11,000–₹26,400 annually, depending on seating)
• Vehicles from other states must be re-registered locally after 11 months of stay, otherwise they are subject to fines

How to Pay Road Tax in Maharashtra?

Maharashtra makes it simple for vehicle owners to stay compliant, offering both online and offline options to pay road tax in Maharashtra:

Online Payment via Vahan Portal

1. Go to vahan.parivahan.gov.in
2. Click “Pay Your Tax”
3. Select Maharashtra from the list 
4. Enter your vehicle registration number
5. Confirm details and upload documents if prompted
6. Make payment via UPI, debit card, or net banking
7. Download and save the receipt for your RC file

Offline Payment at the RTO

• Visit your local RTO office
• Submit documents like RC, ID proof, address proof, insurance, and invoice
• Fill in Form 20 or the relevant application
• Make payment by cash or card
• Collect your stamped receipt

Pro Tip: Always carry the tax receipt in your car to avoid fines during checks.

Penalty for Non-Payment of Road Tax in Maharashtra

Failing to pay road tax on time can cost you more than just money. Penalties include:

• Late fee based on how long the payment is overdue
• Interest may be levied quarterly
• Vehicle impounding or RC suspension in repeated default cases
• No transfer/NOC until outstanding dues are cleared

The longer the delay, the steeper the consequences. Don’t risk it.

Road Tax Refund in Maharashtra

You can apply for a partial refund if your vehicle:

• Is permanently moved to another state
• Is scrapped or deregistered
• Had road tax paid more than once

To apply for a refund:

• Visit your RTO with:
   
  • Refund application form
  • Original payment proof
  • RC cancellation/NOC
  • ID and address proof
     
• Submit all documents and track your refund request

Refunds usually take 30–60 working days, depending on case complexity.

RTO Offices and Contact Details in Maharashtra

Conclusion

Whether you ride a scooter, sedan, or sleek electric vehicle, being aware of the road tax regulations in Maharashtra will save you a lot of time, money, and headaches. With State-specific slabs, online payment access, and a clear exemption, there is no reason to skip what makes your ride compliant on the roads. And if you’re selling, buying, or transferring your vehicle? CARS24 has your back with verified RTO vehicle details in Maharashtra and assistance with RC transfers.