What is the Role of RTO in India?

Many of you may have actively or passively heard or read the word “RTO”. You may even associate it with the body that issues driving licenses. The question is: Is that all?

RTO or the Regional Transport Office, is also known as Regional Transport Authority (RTA). And the role of RTO in India is of great importance. A government organization that functions within the guidelines of the Motor Vehicles Act, it is responsible for maintaining an extensive database of all drivers and vehicles across India. Not only that, but it also offers services to drivers and vehicle owners on a broad spectrum.

RTO Codes for Indian States and Union Territories

For starters, it is essential to note that every Indian state and union territory has a different RTO code. For instance, a license plate with ‘MH XX XXXX’ indicates that the particular vehicle was registered in Maharashtra because the code MH represents the state of Maharashtra. Similarly, Haryana is represented by ‘HR,’ Delhi by ‘DL,’ Gujarat by ‘GJ,’ and so on.

As with the RTO Codes, the RTO of every state and union territory also has a distinct website.

Role of RTO

The role of RTO, as mentioned, is guided by the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 and covers the following activities:

Driver’s License

The government body is responsible for issuing and renewing learners and driver’s license. It is also responsible for conducting the respective tests to issue these licenses. Furthermore, the body takes care of license issuance and renewal to driving instructors and schools. The RTO is also tasked with issuing duplicate copies of licenses and correcting details.

Registration of Vehicles

As for registering vehicles, the organization is tasked with registration and re-registration of vehicles, issuance of RC or Registration Certificate, and adding or removing hypothecation (in RC). Additionally, it is also involved in transferring the ownership of vehicles. Finally, it is the organization’s duty to renew, reissue, or correct the details in any of the certificates mentioned.

Inspection of vehicles

During registration renewal, the RTO is in charge of examining automobiles to assess mechanical conditions. It also looks at vehicle emissions to ensure the vehicle conforms with the pollution standards.

Tax collection

Additionally, the organization is responsible for collecting road tax or MV (Motor Vehicle) tax, fees for the services it offers, and penalties from the citizens for breaking laws.

Permissions

The RTO issues permit to all transport and commercial vehicles for contract and goods carriage or tourist activities, be it local, state, or national.

Issues Documents

The RTO issues several vehicle-related documents, including a NOC, Fitness certificate, PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate, and Trade Certificate.

Wrapping Up

In addition to the functions mentioned above, the Regional Transport Office is also in charge of spreading awareness and improving the state of the roads to make them safer and curb road accidents.

To summarize, the Regional Transport Office is responsible for several important processes without which there would be complete chaos on the roads.