RTO in India

Read on to know the functions, responsibilities, and vehicle registration details at RTO.
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3 min
22 February 2024

The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in India plays a pivotal role in managing and regulating various aspects related to motor vehicles. One crucial element that aids in the identification and categorisation of vehicles is the RTO code. This alphanumeric code is a unique identifier assigned to each region and is an integral part of a vehicle's registration number.

Functions of the Regional Transport Office (RTO)

The RTO serves as a vital administrative body with diverse functions aimed at ensuring the smooth functioning of the transportation sector in India. Some of the primary functions of the Regional Transport Office include:

  • Vehicle registration: The RTO is responsible for registering new vehicles and issuing unique registration numbers.
  • Issuance of driving licenses: Conducting driving tests and issuing driving licenses to qualified individuals.
  • Collection of road taxes: Collection of road taxes and other applicable fees for vehicle registration and licensing.
  • Enforcement of motor vehicle laws: Ensuring compliance with traffic rules and regulations and taking action against violations.
  • Vehicle inspections: Conducting inspections to ensure that vehicles adhere to safety and emission standards.
  • Issuance of permits: Granting permits for various types of transportation, such as goods carriers and passenger vehicles.

Also, read: Parivahan Sewa check

Activities performed by RTO

The RTO engages in a wide range of activities that contribute to the efficient and organised functioning of the transportation system:

  • Updating RTO code list: Maintaining and updating the RTO code list to include new regions and changes in existing codes.
  • Verification of vehicle documents: Verifying and scrutinising documents submitted for vehicle registration and other services.
  • Address change in vehicle records: Facilitating address changes in vehicle records when an individual relocates to a different region.
  • Transfer of vehicle ownership: Managing the transfer of ownership when a vehicle changes hands.
  • Re-registration of vehicles: Handling the process of re-registration when a vehicle is moved to a different state.

RTO state codes in India

The RTO code, also known as the Vehicle Registration Number, includes a state code that indicates the region where the vehicle is registered. This code helps in quick identification of the origin of the vehicle.

State

RTO code

Official website

Andhra Pradesh

AP

https://www.aptransport.org/index.html

Arunachal Pradesh

AR

 https://www.india.gov.in/state-transport-services-department-arunachal-pradesh

Assam

AS

https://transport.assam.gov.in/

Bihar

BR

https://state.bihar.gov.in/transport/CitizenHome.html

Chhattisgarh

CG

https://cgtransport.gov.in/

Goa

GA

https://www.goa.gov.in/department/transport/

Gujarat

GJ

https://cot.gujarat.gov.in/index.htm

Haryana

HR

https://haryanatransport.gov.in/

Himachal Pradesh

HP

https://himachal.nic.in/index.php?lang=1&dpt_id=3

Jharkhand

JH

http://jhtransport.gov.in/

Karnataka

KA

https://www.karnatakaone.gov.in/Info/Public/RTO

Kerala

KL

https://mvd.kerala.gov.in/

Madhya Pradesh

MP

http://www.transport.mp.gov.in/

Maharashtra

MH

https://transport.maharashtra.gov.in/1035/Home

Manipur

MN

https://manipur.gov.in/?p=757

Meghalaya

ML

http://megtransport.gov.in/

Mizoram

MZ

https://transport.mizoram.gov.in/

Nagaland

NL

https://mvdnagaland.in/

Odisha

OD

http://odishatransport.gov.in/

Punjab

PB

https://www.punjabtransport.org/

Rajasthan

RJ

http://www.transport.rajasthan.gov.in/content/transportportal/en.html

Sikkim

SK

 https://www.sikkim.gov.in/departments/transport-department

Tamil Nadu

TN

https://tnsta.gov.in/tnsta/homepage

Telangana

TS

https://transport.telangana.gov.in/

Tripura

TR

https://transport.tripura.gov.in/

Uttar Pradesh

UP

https://uptransport.upsdc.gov.in

Uttarakhand

UK

https://transport.uk.gov.in/

West Bengal

WB

https://transport.wb.gov.in/


RTO code of Union Territories

In addition to the state codes, Union Territories (UTs) in India also have their unique RTO codes. Given below is the list for the same:

Union Territory

RTO code

Official website

Andaman and Nicobar

AN

http://db.and.nic.in/mvd/

Chandigarh

CH

http://chdtransport.gov.in/

Dadar and Nagar Haveli

DN

 https://dnh.gov.in/notice/transport-department/

Daman and Diu

DD

https://daman.nic.in/rtodaman/default.asp

Lakshadweep

LD

https://lakshadweep.gov.in/

Delhi

DL

http://transport.delhi.gov.in/home/transport-department

Puducherry

PY

https://www.py.gov.in/

Jammu and Kashmir

JK

http://jaktrans.nic.in/

Leh-Ladakh

LA

https://leh.nic.in/e-gov/online-services/

Vehicle registration at Regional Transport Office

When purchasing a new vehicle, one of the first tasks is to register it at the local RTO. This process involves submitting necessary documents, including proof of identity, address, and vehicle details. The RTO then assigns a unique registration number, incorporating the relevant state code, to the vehicle.

Re-registration of a motor vehicle in a new state

In cases of relocation to a different state, the owner is required to re-register the vehicle at the RTO of the new state. This ensures that the vehicle complies with the regulations and RTO code of the new region.

Transfer of vehicle ownership at Regional Transport Office

When selling or transferring a vehicle, the ownership details must be updated at the RTO. The new owner needs to submit the necessary documents, and the RTO facilitates the transfer of ownership, updating the records accordingly.

Different types of RTO forms

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways offers various RTO online forms, each serving a specific purpose:

  • Form 20: Used for motor vehicle registration applications.
  • Form 21: Issued as a sales certificate.
  • Form 23: Provides a registration certificate.
  • Form 24: Utilized for the registration of motor vehicles.
  • Form 29: Notifies the transfer of ownership of the motor vehicle.
  • Form 38 A: Generates an inspection report.
  • Form 50: Functions as a Bill of Lading.
  • Form 51: Issues a Certificate of Insurance.
  • Form 54: Compiles an information report of an accident.

RTO and motor insurance

RTO services and motor insurance are closely linked, with several key points of intersection:

Integration with RTO services

  • Proof of car insurance or two-wheeler insurance is required for various RTO services such as vehicle registration, transfer of ownership, and renewal of permits.
  • Motor insurance documents are essential during vehicle inspections conducted by the RTO for registration or fitness certification.

RTO processes and insurance documentation

  • During vehicle registration: Proof of insurance is required to register your vehicle with the RTO.
  • Transfer of ownership: Insurance transfer documents must be submitted to the RTO when transferring vehicle ownership.
  • Fitness certification: Car insurance documents may be required during vehicle inspections for fitness certification at the RTO.

In conclusion, the RTO is an essential governmental organization that plays a vital role in the regulation and monitoring of transport and motor vehicles in India. The RTO code list and state codes are essential for identifying the RTO office in charge of a particular vehicle or transport. Understanding the functions and activities of the RTO is crucial for vehicle owners and motorists in India. By following the regulations and guidelines set by the RTO, motorists can ensure their safety and the safety of other road users.

Frequently asked questions

What are RTO codes?

RTO codes are two-letter abbreviations that represent the state or union territory of the RTO office responsible for registering a vehicle or transport. For example, ‘KA’ represents the state of Karnataka, and ‘MH’ represents the state of Maharashtra. RTO codes are assigned to each RTO office in India to help identify the office responsible for issuing vehicle registration certificates and driving licenses.

What is a two-digit RTO code?

A two-digit RTO code is a unique code assigned to each RTO office by the Indian Government. The two-digit code represents the state or union territory where the RTO office is located. The RTO code is essential when registering a vehicle or obtaining a driver's license in India. The two-digit code is used nationwide, making it easier for individuals to identify the appropriate RTO office responsible for their particular area or state.

What is the work of an RTO officer?

An RTO officer is responsible for implementing and enforcing the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, as well as regulating and monitoring the use of motor vehicles on Indian roads. RTO officers carry out a variety of tasks, including vehicle registration, issuing driving licenses, renewing vehicle registration, and collecting road taxes. RTO officers also grant fitness certificates to commercial vehicles, conduct road safety campaigns, and enforce traffic rules and safety measures. Overall, RTO officers play an essential role in ensuring the safety of road users and regulating the transport of goods and people in India.

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