Vehicle tax in the canton of Lucerne: how is it calculated?
For a passenger car, the canton uses: total weight and power, with an eco bonus.
Good to know: The eco bonus threshold changes every year; the penalty is not estimated.
Worked examples 2026
Estimated amounts for typical vehicles first registered in 2022. Open an example to see the calculation in detail.
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Small petrol car70 kW, 999 cm³, empty weight 1'150 kg, total weight 1'620 kg, CO₂ 125 g/km (WLTP) CHF 281.88
- Total weight component (1'620 kg)CHF 225.18
- Power component (70 kW)CHF 56.70
- Total per yearCHF 281.88
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Petrol family car110 kW, 1'498 cm³, empty weight 1'320 kg, total weight 1'850 kg, CO₂ 132 g/km (WLTP) CHF 360.43
- Total weight component (1'850 kg)CHF 257.15
- Power component (110 kW)CHF 103.28
- Total per yearCHF 360.43
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Diesel SUV150 kW, 1'968 cm³, empty weight 1'900 kg, total weight 2'500 kg, CO₂ 170 g/km (WLTP) CHF 499.38
- Total weight component (2'500 kg)CHF 347.50
- Power component (150 kW)CHF 151.88
- Total per yearCHF 499.38
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Electric car208 kW, empty weight 1'850 kg, total weight 2'255 kg CHF 89.48
- Total weight component (2'255 kg)CHF 313.45
- Power component (208 kW)CHF 245.84
- Technology compensation (20 %)− CHF 111.86
- Eco bonus (80 %, first 5 years)− CHF 357.94
- Total per yearCHF 89.48
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125 scooter9 kW, 125 cm³, total weight 300 kg CHF 61.00
- Tax based on power (9 kW)CHF 61.00
- Total per yearCHF 61.00
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Large motorcycle100 kW, 1'254 cm³, total weight 465 kg CHF 226.30
- Tax based on power (100 kW)CHF 226.30
- Total per yearCHF 226.30
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3.5-tonne van110 kW, 2'143 cm³, empty weight 2'100 kg, total weight 3'500 kg CHF 541.00
- Tax based on total weight (3'500 kg)CHF 541.00
- Total per yearCHF 541.00
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3.5-tonne motorhome103 kW, 2'287 cm³, empty weight 2'900 kg, total weight 3'500 kg CHF 541.00
- Tax based on total weight (3'500 kg)CHF 541.00
- Total per yearCHF 541.00
Comparison with the other cantons
For the typical family car, Lucerne ranks 14 out of 26 (1 = cheapest). Average of the cantons: CHF 349.37.
Frequently asked questions
How is vehicle tax calculated in the canton of Lucerne?
For a passenger car, the canton uses: total weight and power, with an eco bonus. Motorcycles, vans and motorhomes have their own scales, detailed in the examples.
How much do plates cost for an electric car in the canton of Lucerne?
For a typical electric car (208 kW, empty weight 1'850 kg, total weight 2'255 kg), the 2026 tax is estimated at CHF 89.48 per year.
How much do plates cost for a motorcycle in the canton of Lucerne?
About CHF 61.00 per year for a 125 scooter, and CHF 226.30 for a large motorcycle (2026 examples).
Where can I find my vehicle’s data?
All the data you need is on the registration document. On calculplaques.ch, just enter the make and model, or the code from box 24: the official data is found automatically.
Is the amount official?
No: it is an independent estimate based on the canton’s 2026 rates. Only the decision of the cantonal vehicle office is binding.
Independent estimates based on the 2026 cantonal rates (official websites and the TCS comparison). Only the decision of the cantonal vehicle office is binding. Reductions that depend on the energy category or the exact date of first registration may vary. See the source