In Prince Edward Island (PEI), the sales tax on vehicle purchases is the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), currently set at 15%. This rate combines the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the provincial sales tax into a single, unified tax. The 15% HST applies comprehensively to both new and used vehicles purchased from licensed dealerships. Crucially, unlike some other Canadian provinces, PEI also levies the 15% HST on used vehicles purchased through private sales between individuals, with the tax collected at the time of vehicle registration. This means the sales tax is a significant and unavoidable component of the total cost for nearly all vehicle acquisitions in the province. Consumers must factor this substantial 15% into their overall budget, as it represents a considerable addition to the vehicle's advertised price, whether financing or paying cash. While the HST rate is standard, buyers should always investigate potential provincial or federal rebates for specific vehicle types, such as electric vehicles, which can help offset the total out-of-pocket expense, though these are separate from the sales tax itself.