The latest amendment by Maharashtra Government for doubling the Green Tax on vehicles older than 15 years is causing significant confusion and operational hurdles for vehicle owners across Maharashtra. The new rules are now effective from April 6, targeting pollution reduction, but this sudden change in the Green Tax has put extra burden on vehicle-owners across the State. As per the new rules, non-transport vehicles completing 15 years from the date of first registration will now attract a higher lumpsum Green Tax for every subsequent five- year period. The rates vary depending on the vehicle type, fuel category, and emission standards. For two-wheelers,

 

BS-VI and newer models will attract a tax of Rs 2,000, while BS-IV and older vehicles will be charged Rs 4,000. Petrol-driven four-wheelers and similar vehicles will be taxed Rs 3,000 for BS-VI models and Rs 6,000 for older ones. Diesel vehicles will bear the highest burden, with BS-VI models taxed at Rs 3,500 and BS-IV and older vehicles at Rs 7,000 for every five-year renewal after completing 15 years. Officials said, the revised framework effectively doubles the Green Tax in many segments, particularly impacting older and more polluting vehicles.

 

The move aims to discourage the continued use of ageing vehicles and encourage a shift towards cleaner alternatives. However, on the first day of the new rates, the citizens who came for renewal of green tax, were shocked after knowing the new rates. Even, the software that handles the process of the green tax in Regional Traffic Office (RTO) became non-functional as it was programmed to work on older rates. As per the information, on Friday, the process of green tax got hampered and the software updating with new rates will take two-three days’ time.

 

While talking to ‘The Hitavada’, few citizens who came to RTO for renewal of their green tax expressed their inconvenience with the new State Government rule and claimed that it is a harassment to old vehicle users by the Government. Whereas, the changes are part of the State’s broader effort to align vehicle taxation with environmental goals, while streamlining revenue collection. Transport Department officials confirmed that, the new rates will take immediate effect, impacting vehicle owners whose registrations have crossed the 15-year mark. However, authorities also noted that several vehicles are currently operating without paying the Green Tax.