Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 9: Vehicle owners in Maharashtra with automobiles older than 15 years, especially those falling under lower emission standards like BS-IV and below, will now face increased environmental taxes under newly amended rules.

According to the revised tax structure, two-wheeler owners will need to pay Rs 2,000 for BS-VI compliant vehicles, while those with BS-IV and older models will be charged Rs 4,000. For petrol-driven vehicles (excluding two-wheelers), the tax has been set at Rs 3,000 for BS-VI and Rs 6,000 for BS-IV and below. Diesel vehicle owners (excluding two-wheelers) will have to pay Rs 3,500 for BS-VI and above, and Rs 7,000 for BS-IV and older vehicles.

These changes come after the Maharashtra government notified amendments to the state’s Motor Vehicles Tax law through the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Tax (Amendment) Act, 2026. The updated provisions were officially published in the state gazette on April 7 following the governor’s approval.

A key revision under the amended Fifth Schedule mandates that vehicles completing 15 years from their initial registration date will now be subject to a lump-sum tax, payable once every five years.

Officials indicated that the revised taxation framework is designed to better account for the environmental impact of ageing vehicles, with higher levies targeting more polluting categories.

Additionally, the government has introduced a relief measure for the construction and infrastructure sectors. Under amendments to the Sixth Schedule, a cap of Rs 30 lakh has been placed on motor vehicle tax applicable to cranes, which are extensively used in these industries.

The latest amendments reflect the state’s effort to modernize existing laws in line with current emission standards and the evolving needs of various sectors.