Green Tax in Karnataka
Complete 2026 guide for Bangalore, Mysuru, Mangalore, and all Karnataka cities — percentage-based rates, RTO directory, online payment, and how India's first EV-policy state lets you skip Green Tax entirely.
Karnataka Green Tax Rates — Vehicle-wise Breakdown
Karnataka uses a percentage-of-road-tax model (unlike Tamil Nadu's fixed rates). Your Green Tax scales with the vehicle's original price — higher for premium cars, lower for budget vehicles.
| Vehicle Type | Green Tax Rate | Frequency | Applicability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-Wheeler (Petrol) | 10% of Road Tax | Every 5 years | Above 15 years |
| Car / 4-Wheeler (Petrol) | 10% of Road Tax | Every 5 years | Private cars above 15 years |
| Car / 4-Wheeler (Diesel) | 15% of Road Tax | Every 5 years | 5% diesel surcharge added |
| Light Commercial Vehicle | 25% of Road Tax | Annual | Above 8 years |
| Heavy Commercial Vehicle | 25% of Road Tax | Annual | Trucks, buses above 8 years |
| Auto-Rickshaw / 3-Wheeler | 5% of Road Tax | Annual | Above 8 years |
| Electric Vehicle (Any) | ₹0 — 100% Exempt | — | Karnataka EV Policy 2017 |
Real Example — Calculate Your Karnataka Green Tax
Karnataka's percentage system means your Green Tax depends on what you originally paid. Here are 3 worked examples using typical KA road tax:
Example 1: Maruti Swift (2010, ₹5L)
- Original road tax paid (10% of ₹5L) = ₹50,000
- Green Tax = 10% × ₹50,000 = ₹5,000
- Validity: 5 years
- Annual cost equivalent: ₹1,000/year
Example 2: Toyota Innova Diesel (2009, ₹15L)
- Original road tax (12% of ₹15L) = ₹1,80,000
- Green Tax (diesel rate) = 15% × ₹1,80,000 = ₹27,000
- Validity: 5 years
- For comparison, Tamil Nadu: only ₹2,500
Example 3: Tata Ace Commercial (2017, ₹5.5L)
- Original road tax = ₹55,000
- Green Tax (commercial) = 25% × ₹55,000 = ₹13,750
- Frequency: Annual
- Plus 5% urban cess if Bangalore = ₹14,437
How to Pay Green Tax in Karnataka — Step by Step
Online (Recommended)
- Visit parivahan.gov.in
- Click "Online Services" → "Vehicle Related Services"
- Select Karnataka
- Enter registration number (KA-XX-AB-1234)
- Choose "Pay Vehicle Tax / Fitness Renewal"
- System fetches your road tax history and calculates Green Tax
- Pay via Net Banking / UPI / Card
- Save the e-receipt
Karnataka Sarige Sambandha App
- Download from Play Store / App Store
- Login with mobile + OTP
- Add your vehicle
- View pending taxes including Green Tax
- Pay directly through the app
- Mobile receipts stored in app history
RTO Offices in Karnataka — City-wise
Click any city to view all verified RTO addresses, contact details, and Green Tax payment counters. Bangalore alone has 9 RTOs covering different jurisdictions.
Skip Green Tax — Karnataka Was First with an EV Policy
Karnataka launched India's first dedicated EV policy in 2017 — long before FAME-II or PM E-DRIVE. Bangalore's EV ecosystem is now the strongest in India:
- 0% Green Tax — full exemption for all BEVs
- 0% Road Tax + Free Registration — under KA EV Policy 2017
- FAME-III subsidy — up to ₹1.5L on cars, ₹30K on 2W
- 500+ public chargers in Bangalore — most in any Indian city
- Open permit for Kalladka commercial EVs — no permit fee for cargo EVs
- Total savings: ₹2.40L+ on a ₹15L electric SUV vs petrol equivalent
Karnataka vs Tamil Nadu vs Delhi — Real Number Comparison
Same car (Toyota Innova Diesel, ₹15L), three different states. Karnataka's % model can be cheaper or costlier depending on your vehicle's price.
| State | Calculation | 5-year Cost | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | ₹2,000 + ₹500 diesel surcharge | ₹2,500 | Cheapest fixed rate |
| Karnataka | 15% × ₹1,80,000 road tax | ₹27,000 | 10× more than TN |
| Delhi NCR | 50% × ₹1,80,000 road tax | ₹90,000 | Highest in India |
| Maharashtra | 15% × ₹1,80,000 road tax | ₹27,000 | Same as Karnataka |
Bottom line for high-value diesel cars: Tamil Nadu is the cheapest state for Green Tax. For low-value cars (under ₹4L), Karnataka can match TN. For commercial fleet operators, Karnataka's annual 25% rate adds up significantly over a vehicle's life.
Frequently Asked Questions — Green Tax Karnataka
How much is Green Tax in Karnataka?
Karnataka charges Green Tax as 10% of the original road tax for personal vehicles older than 15 years, and 25% for commercial vehicles older than 8 years. Diesel vehicles pay an extra 5%, taking the rate to 15%.
How is Karnataka Green Tax different from Tamil Nadu?
Karnataka uses a percentage-of-road-tax model (10% personal, 25% commercial), while Tamil Nadu uses fixed rates (₹2,000 per car). For high-value cars (above ₹15L), Tamil Nadu is significantly cheaper. For lower-priced vehicles, Karnataka can be cheaper.
Where to pay Green Tax in Bangalore?
Pay online via parivahan.gov.in or visit any of the 9 Bangalore RTOs (Indiranagar, Yeshwanthpur, Koramangala, Yelahanka, Marathahalli, Banashankari, Whitefield, KR Puram, Jayanagar). Each RTO handles vehicles based on registration jurisdiction.
Are EVs exempt from Green Tax in Karnataka?
Yes. Under the Karnataka EV & Energy Storage Policy 2017 (extended through 2026), all battery electric vehicles are 100% exempt from Green Tax, road tax, and registration fees. Karnataka was India's first state to introduce a dedicated EV policy.
What is Karnataka Green Tax for a Maruti Swift bought in 2010?
If your Swift was registered in 2010 and the original road tax was ~₹50,000 (10% of ₹5L), then Green Tax = 10% × ₹50,000 = ₹5,000 every 5 years from the 16th year onwards.
Can I avoid Karnataka Green Tax by re-registering in another state?
Re-registering involves paying that state's road tax difference plus admin fees, often higher than Green Tax itself. Better options: (1) scrap under National Scrappage Policy for 25% road tax rebate on a new vehicle, or (2) switch to EV for 100% exemption.
What documents are required at Karnataka RTO for Green Tax?
Original RC, valid insurance, current PUC certificate, owner's Aadhaar/PAN, previous fitness certificate. The vehicle must pass an emission test at the RTO. Bangalore RTOs may require a No-Objection Certificate from your residential ward office for cars older than 18 years.