Road Tax in West Bengal & Vehicle RTO Charges in 2025

When buying a new vehicle in West Bengal, you must pay road tax. Other requirements include having a valid driver's license and purchasing bike/car insurance. The amount of West Bengal road tax you pay varies depending on the type of vehicle you acquire and its intended use. 

To ensure that transport operates appropriately in the state, the government levies the West Bengal Road tax on automobiles and other vehicles following the West Bengal Motor Vehicles Tax Act of 1979 and the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. 

Continue reading to know more about road tax in West Bengal and vehicle RTO charges.

Road tax, also known as vehicle tax or motor tax, is a mandatory fee charged by governments on motor vehicles that use public roads. This tax contributes to maintaining, repairing, and developing road infrastructure such as highways, bridges, and tunnels. 

The amount of road tax typically depends on factors such as the type of vehicle, engine size, emissions level, weight, and sometimes fuel type. For example, vehicles with higher emissions or larger engines may face higher taxes, while eco-friendly vehicles benefit from reduced rates.

1. Type of Your Vehicle

The vehicle model is among the most important elements influencing the road tax. The road tax varies greatly depending on whether you possess a two-wheeler, four-wheeler, three-wheeler, or a car registered in another state. 

• Two-wheelers pay lesser road taxes than bigger vehicles. 

• Four-wheelers, such as automobiles and SUVs, pay higher taxes based on weight and engine size. 

• Tax rates for three-wheelers and vehicles registered in different states vary.

2. Purpose of Usage: Personal or Commercial

The amount of road tax owed is also determined by whether the vehicle is used for personal or business purposes.

• Personal vehicles like family automobiles and motorcycles receive reduced tax rates.
• Commercial vehicles, including trucks, buses, and taxis, incur higher road charges due to increased road wear and tear.

3. Engine Capacity

Another essential consideration is engine capacity, measured in cubic centimetres (cc). Vehicles with a larger engine capacity are usually charged extra.

• Two-wheelers under 125 cc have cheaper taxes.
• Larger engine vehicles like SUVs and premium cars have greater road taxes. This is because automobiles with bigger engines are seen to contribute more to road traffic and environmental damage. 

4. Type of the Model of Your Vehicle

The model type (normal, luxury, or sports) considerably influences the tax amount. Luxury and high-end automobiles are taxed more highly than basic ones, reflecting their greater market worth and increased maintenance costs to public infrastructure.

5. Fuel Type

The type of fuel your vehicle uses also influences the tax amount. Vehicles powered by diesel, petrol, electricity, or hybrid engines are taxed differently:

• Diesel vehicles generally attract higher taxes due to environmental concerns.

• Electric vehicles (EVs) may receive tax exemptions or reductions as governments encourage eco-friendly transportation.

6. Ex-Showroom Price of Your Vehicle

The ex-showroom price, or the price of the car before taxes and insurance, is a crucial factor in determining road tax. Higher-priced automobiles have higher road tax rates. As a result, expensive automobiles and premium two-wheelers pay more overdue road tax than economic versions.

7. Seating Capacity

The number of people a vehicle can accommodate also influences road tax computation, particularly for commercial vehicles. Higher seating capacity, such as buses or multi-passenger vans, increases road tax since these vehicles produce more road wear and are primarily utilised for business reasons.

Paying your road tax online is a smart way to avoid long and stressful lines. To pay your road tax online in West Bengal, simply follow these steps: 

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

You must pay a specific penalty if you fail or default in paying West Bengal road tax. The penalty is 4% of the unpaid tax for each month. However, this amount shall not exceed twice the actual due amount.

If you do not pay your road tax for a lifetime, your penalty will be 1/10th of the lifetime tax for each year. The penalty is always payable with the payment of your due tax.