Road Tax for Imported and Reconditioned Cars in Malaysia
Imported and reconditioned (recon) cars do not automatically have different road tax rates. Road tax depends on factors such as engine capacity, vehicle type, registration location and ownership category. For EVs, the rate is based on motor output (kW).
Check the car's registered details before buying or renewing. You can also refer to BJAK's 2026 car road tax price guide to compare rates.
- Last reviewed:
- Reviewed by:
- Compliance
What is the difference between imported and recon cars?
An imported car is a vehicle brought into Malaysia from another country. A recon car is usually a used vehicle imported from overseas and prepared for resale locally. Many recon cars come from Japan or the United Kingdom.
Once registered for local road use, these cars generally follow the applicable Malaysian road tax rules. Their country of origin alone does not determine the annual road tax amount.
How is road tax calculated for imported and recon cars?
For petrol and diesel cars, road tax is generally calculated using engine capacity, vehicle type and registration location. Private saloon cars may have different rates from SUVs, MPVs and other vehicle categories.
| Factor | How it affects road tax |
|---|---|
| Engine capacity (cc) | Larger engines generally cost more to tax. |
| Vehicle type | Saloon cars may have different rates from SUVs and MPVs. |
| Registration location | Rates can differ between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah or Sarawak. |
| Ownership category | Private and company-registered vehicles may fall under different schedules. |
| Electric motor output (kW) | EV road tax follows a separate rate structure. |
For the applicable rates, refer to the JPJ road tax calculation guide. You can also check BJAK's car road tax price guide for 2026.
Examples of road tax for imported and recon cars
The following examples illustrate how engine capacity and vehicle type can affect annual road tax. These figures are for private vehicles registered in Peninsular Malaysia; confirm the rate for the car's actual registration category.
| Example vehicle | Engine capacity | Illustrative annual road tax |
|---|---|---|
| Imported saloon car | 1,500cc | RM90 |
| Recon saloon car | 1,998cc | RM379 |
| Recon SUV | 1,998cc | RM439.20 |
The estimates above use the applicable private-vehicle rates for the stated engine capacities and body types. A car's actual road tax may differ if it falls under another registration category or rate schedule.
What about imported electric cars?
Imported EVs follow Malaysia's EV road tax rules, which are based on motor output (kW), vehicle category and registration details.
Check the motor output in your vehicle documents and use BJAK's EV road tax calculator to estimate the annual cost.
What to check before renewing road tax
Before renewing road tax for an imported or recon car, make sure the following details are correct:
- Vehicle registration details: Check the registration number, engine capacity and vehicle category.
- Insurance coverage: Make sure the vehicle has valid insurance for the renewal period.
- Outstanding restrictions: Check whether any JPJ or police blacklist issues may prevent renewal.
- Road tax expiry date: Renew before expiry so you can continue using the car legally.
- EV details: For an electric car, confirm the motor output and applicable EV road tax rate.
You can compare car insurance options through BJAK before renewing. Once the required insurance is in place, you can also explore BJAK's road tax renewal service.
Frequently asked questions
Not necessarily. Road tax depends mainly on the vehicle's applicable rate category and specifications, rather than whether it is new, imported or reconditioned. A recon car with a larger engine may cost more to tax than one with a smaller engine.
Imported cars registered for use in Malaysia generally follow the applicable Malaysian road tax schedule. The correct rate depends on the vehicle's registration details and category.
No. EV road tax is calculated using motor output in kW under the applicable EV rate structure. Check the car's specifications and use an EV road tax calculator to estimate the amount.
Yes, if the vehicle meets the renewal requirements and the service supports it. You generally need valid insurance, and the vehicle must not have restrictions that prevent renewal. You can check the available options through BJAK Road Tax.
Ready to renew your road tax?
Check your road tax price and renew online with BJAK.