April 12, 2026 in India — Car emission tax (green tax) applies to vehicles over 15 years old in India. Understanding green tax rates, PUC requirements, and compliance costs helps you budget for older vehicle ownership.
\n\nThis guide covers all emission-related taxes and the upcoming BS 6 Phase 2 norms.
\n\nGreen Tax Overview
\nGreen tax is an annual environment cess on older vehicles:
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- Applies to: Vehicles older than 15 years \n
- State-specific: Rates vary by state \n
- Annual payment: With vehicle registration renewal \n
- BS VI norm: Some older vehicles may face restrictions \n
Green Tax Rates by State
\n| State | Car Green Tax | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Rs 1,000-3,000 | Annual |
| Maharashtra | Rs 2,000-5,000 | Annual |
| Karnataka | Rs 1,500-4,000 | Annual |
| Tamil Nadu | Rs 1,000-3,000 | Annual |
| Gujarat | Rs 500-2,000 | Annual |
Green Tax by Vehicle Age
\n| Vehicle Age | Green Tax Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 15 years | Rs 1,000-2,000 | First year applicable |
| 15-20 years | Rs 2,000-4,000 | Increasing rate |
| >20 years | Rs 4,000-8,000 | Highest rate |
PUC Certificate Requirements
\nPUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate is mandatory:
\n- \n
- Validity: 6 months for new vehicles, 1 year for others \n
- Cost: Rs 60-100 per test \n
- Fine: Rs 1,000 for no valid PUC \n
- GST on PUC: Included in test fee \n
BS VI Emission Standards
\nSince April 2020, only BS VI vehicles can be sold:
\n- \n
- Older BS III/IV: Can still be driven \n
- Scrappage policy: May incentivize older vehicle removal \n
- Green tax: Higher for pre-BS VI vehicles \n
Vehicle Scrappage Policy
\nGovernment's vehicle scrappage policy aims to remove old polluting vehicles:
\n- \n
- Mandatory fitness: For vehicles >15 years old \n
- Scrap value: 4-6% of ex-showroom price \n
- No road tax: After scrapping, re-registration exempts road tax \n
- Certificate: Vehicle Fitness Certificate from authorized centers \n
Electric Vehicles: No Green Tax
\nElectric vehicles are exempt from green tax:
\n- \n
- Zero emissions: No pollution certificate required \n
- No green tax: Annual exemption \n
- BS VI compliant: Always, by default \n
Total Annual Compliance Cost for Older Cars
\nFor a 18-year-old petrol car in Maharashtra:
\n- \n
- Green tax: Rs 4,000/year \n
- PUC certificate: Rs 1,200 (2 tests) \n
- Insurance: Rs 20,000/year (high for old car) \n
- Fitness test: Rs 1,000-2,000 (if applicable) \n
- Total annual cost: Rs 26,000+ \n
How to Pay Green Tax
\n- \n
- Visit Parivahan portal or local RTO \n
- Select \"Tax Services" \n
- Choose \"Green Tax" payment \n
- Enter vehicle registration number \n
- Pay via net banking/UPI \n
- Download receipt \n
Frequently Asked Questions
\n\nWhat is the green tax for cars in India?
\nGreen tax ranges from Rs 1,000 to Rs 8,000 annually depending on vehicle age and state. Older vehicles (>20 years) pay the highest rates.
\n\nHow often should I renew PUC certificate?
\nPUC certificates are valid for 1 year for most vehicles and cost Rs 60-100. Renew before expiry to avoid Rs 1,000 fine.
\n\nAre electric vehicles exempt from green tax?
\nYes, electric vehicles are completely exempt from green tax as they have zero direct emissions and don't require PUC certificates.
\n\nCan I avoid green tax by scrapping my old car?
\nScrapping your old vehicle eliminates green tax but may not be financially beneficial unless you receive government incentives or need a replacement.
\n\nConclusion
\nGreen tax adds significant annual cost to older vehicles. Consider switching to EV or scrapping old vehicles to avoid ongoing compliance costs. Use our annual cost calculator.
\n\nDisclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Green tax rates change. Verify with state transport department.
\n\nअस्वीकरण: यह लेख केवल सूचनात्मक उद्देश्यों के लिए है। हरा कर बदलता है।