How to Calculate Road Tax in Malaysia (2026 Guide)
Summary: Road tax in Malaysia is calculated based on four key factors: your vehicle type, engine capacity (cc) or EV motor power (kW), ownership type (private or company), and where the vehicle is registered.
Road tax in Malaysia is not a fixed amount. The final cost depends on the following factors:
Vehicle type: Saloon, non-saloon, commercial, or electric.
Engine capacity (cc): For petrol and diesel vehicles.
Motor power (kW): For electric vehicles (EV).
Ownership type: Private or company-owned.
Region of registration: Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan, or Sarawak.
You can quickly estimate your car road tax using our road tax calculator and check your car insurance with our car insurance calculator.
Good to know: Malaysia’s EV road tax exemption ended on 31 December 2025. From 1 January 2026 onwards, EV road tax is calculated based on motor power (kW) instead of engine capacity.
Driving an EV? Get an estimation of your road tax with our EV Road Tax Calculator.
Explore our guide to learn how to calculate the road tax for cars registered in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak.
Step by Step: How to Calculate Road Tax
Althought most drivers use an online calculator, understanding how road tax is determined helps you estimate the amount more accurately.
Step 1: Identify Your Vehicle Category
JPJ uses different road tax schedules for different vehicle categories.
For example:
Private saloon car
Private non-saloon vehicle (SUV or MPV)
Company-owned vehicle
Commercial vehicle
Motorcycle
Electric vehicle
Choosing the wrong category can result in an incorrect road tax estimate.
Step 2: Check the Engine Capacity or Motor Power
For petrol and diesel vehicles, road tax is based on engine capacity measured in cubic centimetres (cc).
For electric vehicles, road tax is calculated using the vehicle's motor power measured in kilowatts (kW).
You can usually find this information in your vehicle grant, registration card, or manufacturer specifications.
Step 3: Confirm the Ownership Type
JPJ charges different road tax rates for private and company-owned vehicles.
Company-registered vehicles generally have higher road tax rates than private vehicles with the same engine capacity because they fall under different JPJ taxation classifications.
Step 4: Check Where the Vehicle Is Registered
Road tax rates differ depending on where the vehicle is registered.
JPJ publishes separate road tax schedules for:
Peninsular Malaysia
Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan
Sarawak
Always use the correct rate schedule for your vehicle's registration region.
Step 5: Check the Official JPJ Rates or Use a Calculator
Once you've identified your vehicle category, engine size or motor power, ownership type, and region, you can refer to the official JPJ road tax rate table or simply use our Road Tax Calculator for a quicker estimate.
Looking for the official rates? Read the complete JPJ Road Tax Table guide here.
Why Vehicle Classification Matters
any drivers assume road tax depends only on engine size, but vehicle classification is equally important.
For example, a sedan and an SUV with the same engine capacity do not always pay the same amount because JPJ places them under different taxation categories.
Before calculating your road tax, always verify whether your vehicle is classified as:
Private saloon
Private non saloon
Company owned
Commercial
This helps ensure you're using the correct JPJ rate schedule.
JPJ Road Tax Rate Table in Peninsular Malaysia
Notes:
Rates shown are annual (12 months) for Peninsular Malaysia.
Progressive rates apply only to the cc exceeding the lower bound of each bracket.
Company-owned vehicles typically follow the “saloon company usage” classification (often code “B”/“C” depending on JPJ usage class).
Common Mistakes When Calculating Road Tax
Avoid these common mistakes when estimating your road tax:
Assuming every SUV or MPV follows the same road tax schedule as a sedan.
Forgetting that company owned vehicles have different road tax rates.
Using engine capacity instead of motor power for EVs.
Referring to Peninsular Malaysia rates for vehicles registered in Sabah or Sarawak.
Using outdated road tax rate tables.
Using an up-to-date road tax calculator helps reduce these errors.
Renewing Road Tax Online
Before renewing your road tax, make sure:
Your motor insurance is active for the same renewal period.
Your vehicle information is accurate.
You're renewing within JPJ's permitted renewal period.
Most private vehicles can renew their road tax for either six months or one year, subject to JPJ's requirements.
Since road tax for eligible Malaysian owned private vehicles is now digital (e-LKM), there's no need to display a physical road tax sticker. You can view your digital road tax through the MyJPJ app.
If you're renewing your car insurance too, you can estimate your road tax, compare insurance quotes, and complete both renewals in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is road tax calculated in Malaysia?
Road tax is calculated based on your vehicle type, engine capacity (cc) or EV motor power (kW), ownership type, and where the vehicle is registered.
2. Is road tax calculated only based on engine capacity?
No. Other than engine capacity, road tax amount also takes into account vehicle category, ownership type, and registration region. EVs use motor power (kW) instead of engine capacity.
3. How do I calculate road tax for an SUV or MPV?
SUVs and MPVs usually fall under the private non-saloon category, which uses a different JPJ road tax schedule from private saloon cars. Always confirm your vehicle classification before estimating the amount.
4. Is road tax different in Sabah and Sarawak?
Yes. JPJ publishes separate road tax rates for Peninsular Malaysia and for Sabah and Sarawak.
5. How is EV road tax calculated?
From 1 January 2026, EV road tax is calculated based on motor power measured in kilowatts (kW) instead of engine capacity (cc) like petrol or diesel cars.
6. Can I renew my road tax without car insurance?
No. Your vehicle must have valid motor insurance covering the same renewal period before JPJ allows your road tax to be renewed.
7. Is PolicyStreet cheaper than traditional insurers for road tax renewal?
Yes, with PolicyStreet Drive+ membership, you can get a road tax discount of up to RM120, depending on the tier purchased. Find out more about the benefits we offer.
