Will car license renewal-fees vary according to CO2 emissions?

By Chad Lückhoff

The short answer is no. The amount levied for your vehicle's license renewal is not based on the amount of CO2 produced by the engine, but rather on the category, description and unladen weight of the vehicle in question.

CO2 Tax or Emissions Tax, correctly termed Environmental Levy, is a fee payable on new motor vehicles where the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions from the exhaust pipe exceed 120g/km. Vehicles producing less than 120g/km are exempt from this tax.

Motor vehicle Carbon Dioxide emissions above the 120g/km threshold are deemed harmful to the environment are subjected to the payment of an Environmental Levy if used in South Africa. The objective of the levy is to influence the composition of South Africa's vehicle fleet, to become more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

This is a once-off payment when purchasing a new vehicle. It doesn't apply to used vehicles or vehicles that are modified for use by or transport of disabled persons.

How is it calculated?

While there is a long list of categories, the levy has been kept relatively standard and most vehicles will fall into one of the two following categories; Vehicles intended for the transportation of persons, either petrol or diesel-fuelled, and vehicles designed to carry goods with an unladen weight of less than 2000kg, with a GVM of no more than 3500kg, including double cabs, either petrol or diesel fueled.

For the first category, the fee is R100 per g/km for emissions over 175g/km.

The second category, the fees is R140 per g/km for emissions over 175g/km.

Licensing fees

The licensing fees for a vehicle vary by province and are based on the category, description and unladen weight of the vehicle.

In Gauteng, the total annual license fee for a car weighing 1000kg is R456. In the Western Cape that fee is R465, and in KZN that same 1000kg car will cost you R552 to license for one year.

A heavy, expensive SUV weighing in at 2500kg, will cost you R1296 in Gauteng, R1278 in the Western Cape, and R1464 in KZN.

It is always best to check with your local authorities as to the fees for your specific area, or alternatively click here: http://www.foresightpublications.co.za/MVLic.html