Road Tax, known under different names globally, is an essential levy imposed on motor vehicles for legal operation on public roads, varying widely between countries due to differing regional policies and requirements. This tax plays a vital role in supporting road infrastructure and traffic control.

Country-Specific Road Tax Systems

Australia: Commonly known as 'rego,' the annual vehicle registration fee varies by state and vehicle type. In Queensland, fees are influenced by the engine's cylinder count, while in New South Wales, it’s based on the vehicle’s tare weight.

Belgium: Road tax incorporates engine displacement and power output, shifting over time to include environmental factors like CO2 emissions, directly impacting the registration fee.

Brazil: The decentralized system allows states to impose a Vehicle Licensing Fee and a Vehicle Property Tax, tailoring tax policies to local needs.

Costa Rica: With one of the highest car property taxes in Latin America, called the Marchamo, it significantly affects car owners due to its high fiscal rate.

France: Overhauled in 2001, the vignette was replaced by a toll-road operators tax and since 2006, vehicle taxation is aligned with CO2 emissions for company-owned cars.

Germany: A Motor Vehicle Tax based on engine displacement and emissions, varying by petrol or diesel engines, with additional tools for tax calculation.

Hong Kong: Vehicle tax is structured around engine size categories, influencing purchasing decisions towards lower tax bands.

Hungary: Shifted to a performance and age-based tax system since 2009, reflecting a move towards eco-friendlier criteria.

India: State-determined road tax options vary, with additional GST and state-specific regulations, highlighting ongoing proposals for standardization under "One Nation-One Tax."

Ireland: Vehicle taxes focus on CO2 emissions post-2008, with variations for commercial and vintage vehicles.

Israel: High purchase taxes on combustion engine cars, with incentives for hybrid and electric vehicles through reduced rates.

Italy: Taxes are based on horsepower and European emission standards, considering both performance and environmental factors.

Japan: Taxes are influenced by engine size and vehicle use, with specially lower rates for Kei cars under the 1950 Local Tax Act.

Latvia: Vehicle operating taxes are determined by weight, engine size, and power, with a progressive system for larger vehicles.

Luxembourg: An annual road tax aids in road funding, with rates like the €224 paid in 2013 for certain BMW models.

Malaysia: Road tax differs between regions, and company-registered vehicles often face higher costs.

Mexico: Post-2012, vehicle tax management was shifted to states, leading to diverse regional practices.

Netherlands: Taxation depends on weight, fuel, and region, promoting eco-friendly vehicle use.

Nepal: Tax assessments consider engine size and vehicle type, with penalties for late payments contributing to broader government fees.

New Zealand: Offers a time-based license and road user charges, exempting light electric vehicles temporarily, with regional fuel taxes also in play.

Norway: Imposes a one-time tax upon vehicle registration, underlining Norway's approach to sustainable infrastructure funding.

Globally, road tax systems are tailored to local priorities and economic circumstances, with significant roles in infrastructure maintenance and traffic management. Impacts on vehicle owners vary distinctly with regional policies and tax designs.