Uttarakhand to levy green tax on out-of-state vehicles from December 2025
Travellers planning a road trip to Uttarakhand this winter may soon have to factor in an additional expense. Beginning December 1, 2025, the state will start levying a green tax on all vehicles entering from outside its borders—a move aimed at tackling vehicular pollution and preserving the state’s fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
According to officials, the Uttarakhand Transport Department will implement the policy across major entry points, utilizing Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to monitor vehicles in real-time. So far, 16 ANPR cameras have been installed at border checkpoints, and the network is expected to expand to 37 locations in the coming months.
Assistant Transport Commissioner Sanat Kumar Singh confirmed the rollout, noting that the system will automatically identify out-of-state registration numbers and calculate applicable charges. The green tax will vary based on vehicle category — Rs 80 for small passenger vehicles, Rs 250 for light goods carriers, Rs 140 for buses, and Rs 120 to Rs 700 for trucks, depending on load capacity.
The measure, first reported by The Times of India, is part of the government’s broader environmental initiative to maintain air quality and promote sustainable tourism. The state’s scenic destinations, from Mussoorie to Nainital, witness a surge in visitors during the winter, adding pressure on local infrastructure and air quality.
Why a Green Tax?
The concept of a green tax stems from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways’ guidelines, which state that pollution caused by older and high-emission vehicles creates a “negative externality” — meaning society bears the environmental cost. By levying this tax, governments encourage owners of polluting vehicles to either switch to cleaner options or limit unnecessary travel.
The revenue generated through the green tax can also be channelled into pollution-control measures and environmental restoration efforts. Officials believe the move will not only reduce emissions but also contribute to maintaining Uttarakhand’s pristine natural surroundings.
Other States with Similar Policies
Uttarakhand joins a growing list of Indian states that have adopted similar eco-conscious measures. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli already impose a green tax on vehicles.
As India continues to push toward cleaner mobility, Uttarakhand’s initiative represents another step in aligning local policies with the nation’s environmental commitments — ensuring that its roads remain as green as its hills.