Due to the recent flash floods and landslides in Himachal Pradesh, over 380 road networks have been disrupted, resulting in an increasing number of accidents in the state. The current situation in the state demands better and improved roads, and all of this is only possible through road tax revenue. It will contribute significantly to the development and upkeep of the region’s road infrastructure and allied services.
Himachal Pradesh’s road tax framework is governed by section 39 of The Motor Vehicles Act 1988. HP Road tax is a mandatory payment imposed on vehicles driving on roads in Himachal Pradesh, India unless exempt specifically. The calculation of road tax depends on various factors, including the seating capacity of the vehicle, engine capacity, age, vehicle type, and weight of the vehicle.
Himachal Pradesh Regional Transport Office (RTO) is a government department entrusted with responsibilities such as vehicle registration, issuing and renewing driver’s licenses, granting permits, controlling pollution, and the enforcement of road regulations throughout the state. Also, the allocation of unique RTO codes to various jurisdictions within the state is an important feature of this system. There are around 96 RTOs in HP with distinctive codes, which play a significant role in streamlining many vehicle-related services across the state.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Road Tax | Cars priced up to ₹15 lakh: 8% of the car’s value |
| Cars priced above ₹15 lakh: 9% of the car’s value | |
| Registration Fee | ₹600 for non-transport vehicles |
| ₹1,000 for transport vehicles | |
| HSRP Number Plates | ₹500 for a four-wheeler |
| Other Charges | Cost of the RC, the fitness certificate, and the pollution certificate |
Example:
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Car Price | ₹15,00,000 |
| Road Tax | ₹1,20,000 |
| Registration Fee | ₹600 |
| HSRP Number Plates | ₹500 |
| Other Charges | ₹1,000 |
| Total Cost | ₹1,22,100 |
Road Tax in Himachal Pradesh for Two-Wheelers
| Value of the Two-wheeler | Tax Rate Payable |
|---|---|
| Up to Rs. 1 Lakh | 6% of the price of the vehicle |
| Over Rs. 1 Lakh | 7% of the price of the vehicle |
Road Tax in Himachal Pradesh for Four-Wheelers
| Value of the Personal Car or Motor Cab | Tax Rate Payable |
|---|---|
| Up to Rs. 15 Lakhs | 6% of the price of the vehicle |
| Over Rs. 15 Lakhs | 7% of the price of the vehicle |
Road Tax in Himachal Pradesh for Commercial Vehicles
| Vehicle Type | Amount of Tax Payable (per year) | Amount of Tax Payable for the first 15 years post registration (per year) | Amount of Tax Payable after 15 years (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light motor vehicles | Rs. 1,500 | Rs. 1,650 | – |
| Medium goods motor vehicles | Rs. 2,000 | Rs. 2,200 | – |
| Heavy goods motor vehicles | Rs. 2,500 | Rs. 2,750 | – |
| Minibuses | Rs. 500 for a seat per year, subject to Rs. 25,000 per year | Rs. 550 for a seat per year, subject to Rs. 25,000 per year | – |
| Ordinary/express/semi-deluxe/deluxe/air-conditioned buses | Rs. 500 for a seat per year, subject to Rs. 35,000 per year | Rs. 550 for a seat per year, subject to Rs. 35,000 per year | – |
| Private service vehicles | Rs. 500 per seat per year | Rs. 550 per seat per year | – |
| Auto rickshaws | Rs. 200 per seat, subject to Rs. 5,000 per year | – | – |
| Motor cabs | Rs. 350 per seat, subject to Rs. 10,000 per year | – | – |
| Maxi cabs | Rs. 750 per seat, subject to Rs. 15,000 per year | – | – |
| Buses for contract carriages | Rs. 1,000 per seat, subject to Rs. 52,000 per year | – | – |
| Ambulances | Rs. 1,500 | – | – |
| Hearses | Rs. 1,500 | – | – |