
If you are looking at a high-CC car, road tax is one of the first costs to check. In Malaysia, JPJ’s current LKM guide shows that private saloon cars in Peninsular Malaysia use flat rates up to 1,600cc, then move into progressive pricing above 1,600cc.
Rates also differ by vehicle category and location, including Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan, Langkawi, and Pangkor. That’s why many used luxury cars look affordable upfront but cost much more to maintain yearly.
For buyers, that means a 2.0L, 2.5L, 3.0L, or higher car carries a very different annual cost compared with a 1.5L car. Want to check your road tax and renew it without the hassle? You can do it easily with Drive+ and get up to RM120 in discounts.

Estimated ranges derived from JPJ LKM calculation formula based on engine capacity (cc), for illustration purposes.
Why is the SUV rate cheaper for big engines? JPJ classifies SUVs and MPVs as "utility vehicles." While they have a higher base rate for small engines (1.6L and below), their progressive rate for large engines is much lower than luxury sedans. This makes owning a 3.0L Toyota Alphard significantly cheaper in road tax than a 3.0L BMW sedan.
The road tax amount depends on more than engine size. It also varies based on whether the car is private saloon, company-owned, non-saloon, or registered in a different region.
For Peninsular Malaysia, JPJ uses progressive rates for private saloon cars above 1,600cc, while Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan, Langkawi and Pangkor follow different structures.
If you want to keep renewal costs under control, Drive+ can help make the road tax side easier. Depending on the tier selected, members can enjoy:
Up to 100% off road tax (capped at RM120).
Waived road tax handling fees.
EPP/Atome 0% Installments (Standard & Premium members).
Loyalty Rewards: Next-renewal insurance discounts and Bateriku vouchers.
Is road tax expensive for 2.0L and 3.0L cars in Malaysia?
Yes. For private saloon cars, road tax increases progressively once the engine size goes above 1,600cc.
Is road tax the same for every car over 1,600cc?
No. It depends on engine capacity, vehicle category and registration area.
Does JPJ use the same road tax rate for Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia?
No. JPJ uses different rate structures for Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, with special treatment for Labuan, Langkawi and Pangkor.
Can I save on road tax renewal with Drive+?
Yes! Drive+ members enjoy exclusive road tax discounts of up to RM120, depending on the membership tier.
That means:
You pay less every time you renew
The savings can offset your membership cost
Higher tiers unlock bigger discounts and more value
For example, frequent drivers or multi-car owners can maximise savings across multiple renewals, making Drive+ a more cost-effective choice compared to standard renewal options.