Road Tax in Meghalaya: A Complete Guide

If you’ve just bought a new or used ride in Meghalaya or brought one in from another state, paying road tax is mandatory. It’s your legal pass to drive on public roads while making your small contribution towards the development of the state’s infrastructure. And unlike the traffic in Police Bazar, road tax rules don’t change every minute, but they’re not exactly straightforward either.

From lightweight scooters in the Garo Hills to SUVs riding across Shillong’s misty slopes, Meghalaya has a clear slab-based road tax system for private vehicles. Whether you own a bike, car, EV, or are registering a used vehicle, this guide simplifies the nitty-gritty from tax rates to renewal rules and how to make the payment offline and online.

Who Needs to Pay Road Tax in Meghalaya?

Anyone who owns or brings a motor vehicle into Meghalaya is liable to pay road tax. Whether you have purchased a brand-new two-wheeler, imported a used four-wheeler from another state, you’ll need to register it with the Meghalaya RTO. The same applies if you’ve decided to upgrade to an electric vehicle (EV); you must pay the applicable road tax. This includes:

• Private vehicle owners (two-wheelers, cars, EVs) 
• Three-wheeler owners (for personal use)
• Individuals relocating from another state
• People purchasing second-hand vehicles

If you plan to drive your vehicle on public roads in Meghalaya, road tax is non-negotiable. Avoiding it can lead to fines, penalties, and even legal trouble.

How is Road Tax Calculated in Meghalaya?

Meghalaya follows a slab-based road tax system, which is primarily determined by:

• Vehicle type (bike, scooter, car, three-wheeler, EV)
• Unladen weight for two-wheelers
• Original cost price for four-wheelers
• Vehicle age (renewal rate changes after 10 years)

The state does not impose a uniform percentage on the various categories but rather charges different percentages and fixed amounts. In case of new vehicles, tax is usually paid once in 10 years, after which you will be required to pay a renewal fee every 5 years.

Example:

If you purchase a new petrol car priced at ₹12 lakh, the applicable road tax is:

• 6% of ₹12,00,000 = ₹72,000 (one-time for 10 years) 
• After 10 years, a renewal fee of ₹9,000 applies for each subsequent 5-year period

Similarly, if you own a bike under 90 kg, you’ll pay a flat tax amount (like ₹1,800), not a percentage.

Road Tax in Meghalaya (Private Vehicles)

Two‑Wheelers & Three‑Wheelers

Four‑Wheelers (Private Cars)

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

• Road tax is waived until March 31, 2026, under Meghalaya EV Policy‑2021 (originally tax + registration fee exemption)

Key Notes

• Tax is paid upfront (one-time for 10 years), then renewed every 5 years.
• Commercial vehicles, such as taxis or goods carriers, are taxed annually/quarterly based on seating or load (covered separately).
• Inter-state vehicle transfers are taxed using the same slabs post-depreciation, as applicable.

How to Pay Road Tax in Meghalaya?

Paying road tax in Meghalaya is a simple process; you’ve got both online and offline options depending on what works best for you.

Online Method:

You can pay road tax digitally via the official Meghalaya Transport portal:

1. Visit the Meghalaya Transport website or Parivahan portal  
2. Select “Online Services” → “Vehicle Tax”
3. Enter your vehicle registration number
4. Verify your details and choose the tax slab
5. Upload required documents (RC, ID proof, insurance, etc.)
6. Make payment via net banking/card, and download your receipt

Offline Method:

Prefer doing it the traditional way? Head to your local RTO office with:

• Vehicle’s Registration Certificate (RC)
• Purchase invoice
• Address & ID proof
• Insurance certificate
• Applicable road tax amount (cash/card/DD)

Whether you go digital or offline, keep that receipt safe; you’ll need it for future renewals or if you’re selling the vehicle.

Penalty for Non-Payment of Road Tax in Meghalaya

Skipping or delaying your road tax payment isn’t a great idea, Meghalaya RTO takes defaults seriously.

If you fail to pay the tax on time, you may face:

• A fine of up to ₹100 per month from the due date
• Possible impoundment of your vehicle
• Delayed registration renewals and fitness approvals
• Additional interest or penalty charges depending on how long you’ve defaulted

Long story short? Pay your road tax on time and drive stress-free across those winding hill roads.

Road Tax Refund in Meghalaya

Yes, a refund is possible in certain cases, though you’ll need to follow proper procedures.

You may be eligible for a partial refund of road tax if:

• You’ve permanently moved out of Meghalaya and registered your vehicle in another state 
• Your vehicle was scrapped or deregistered
• There was a duplicate payment made due to a system or human error

In such cases, submit a refund request at the RTO with all supporting documents: RC, NOC, proof of new registration, tax payment slip, and ID proof.

Note: Refunds are generally calculated on a pro-rata basis after deducting the tax amount for the period you used the vehicle in the state.

RTO Offices and Contact Details in Meghalaya

Here’s a quick list of major RTOs across the state to help with road tax payments, registration queries, and other vehicle-related services:

For more details, check out: RTO vehicle details in Meghalaya.

Conclusion

Paying road tax in Meghalaya may feel like a hassle, but when you know the regulations, slabs, and the process of paying, it’s an easy way to make sure you’re on the right side of the law. And whether you buy a brand-new EV or bring a used car across state lines, keeping your ride legal will save you from a lot of hefty fines. Moreover, if you want to buy or sell a used car or even inquire about RTO details of a vehicle, CARS24 is your one-stop destination for all accurate and up-to-date information.