Punjab Vehicle Registration Fees May Increase – Check New Rates

The upcoming Punjab budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 may bring some bad news for vehicle and motorcycle owners. The provincial government is planning a major increase in registration fees, which could make it more expensive to buy and own a vehicle in the province.

According to reliable sources, the Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control Department has submitted a proposal recommending significant hikes in registration charges. These suggested changes are part of a broader plan to boost provincial income and make the vehicle registration process more transparent and efficient.

Big Increase in Vehicle Registration Fees

If the proposal is approved, people will have to pay much more than before to register their cars and motorcycles. Here’s a breakdown of the proposed fee hikes:

• Cars with engine size up to 1000cc:
  The registration fee may increase from Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 5,000.
• Cars between 1001cc and 1800cc:
  The fee might go up from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 11,000.
• Cars above 1800cc:
  Registration costs could jump from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 22,000.
• Heavy Transport Vehicles (HTVs):
  Their fee may rise from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 11,000.

The new rates for motorcycle registration are also expected to increase, but exact numbers have not yet been shared. These will be officially announced once the budget is presented.

Public Reaction and Concerns

The proposed increases have caused concern among the general public. Many people believe that owning a car or a motorcycle is already expensive due to high fuel prices, maintenance costs, and taxes. A sudden rise in registration fees will only add to the financial burden.

Some automobile industry experts are also worried. They say that such a sharp hike in fees could slow down vehicle sales and hurt the local car manufacturing sector. If fewer people can afford to buy new vehicles, it may negatively affect related businesses like dealerships, auto parts suppliers, and service providers.

Why the Government Wants to Increase Fees

Government officials say the proposed fee hike is part of a bigger effort to improve the province’s financial management. They believe that increasing fees will help generate more revenue, which can be used for public services like road repairs, transportation systems, and other development projects.

Another reason behind this move is to stop fake vehicle registrations. By making the registration process stricter and more expensive, the government hopes to improve record-keeping and prevent fraud.

Final Decision Still Pending

Although the proposal has been submitted, it is not final yet. The new registration fees will only be confirmed after the Punjab cabinet reviews and approves them during the upcoming budget session.

Until then, vehicle and motorcycle owners across Punjab are anxiously waiting to see how the new budget will affect them financially.

READ MORE: Govt to Increase Sales Tax on Small Cars in Upcoming Budget