Ahmedabad is one of the most populated cities of Gujarat, which is currently the administrative headquarters of the Ahmedabad district. The textile and garment industry of the city contributes largely to its economy. There are currently three RTO offices in Ahmedabad, looking after vehicle-related issues.

The RTO offices in Ahmedabad are important in ensuring road safety and traffic movement across the city. Here are some of the most important functions that they perform in Ahmedabad.

1. Vehicle Registration

All personal and commercial vehicles must be registered with the Ahmedabad RTO. You'll receive a Registration Certificate (RC) generally valid for 15 years for private vehicles. 

• New Vehicle Registration: 

Any type of vehicle, whether personal or commercial, must be registered with the concerned RTO. On registration, a registration certificate (RC) is produced, which remains valid for 15 years for motor cars and two years for motor carriages. 

• Temporary and Permanent Registration: 

The dealers provide temporary registrations for the new vehicles, which are only valid for one month. At that time, one should obtain permanent registration.   

• Transfer of Ownership: 

Ownership transfer is mandatory when a vehicle is sold or bought second-hand, and the RC will be updated accordingly.

• Renewal of Registration: 

After 15 years, the vehicle’s registration needs to be renewed to continue legal operation.

2. Driving Licences

RTO also classifies and offers a variety of driving licences. There are different types of driving licenses. These include: 

• Learner's Licence: 

Issued after passing a test on traffic rules. 

• Permanent Driving License: 

 A permanent license can be issued after 30 days of holding a learner's license and passing a practical test.

• Renewal of Driving License: 

Licenses must be renewed after a set period, often after 20 years or when the holder turns 50.

• International Driving Permit (IDP):

The RTO also issues IDPs, valid for one year, for those intending to drive internationally. 

• Duplicate Driving Licence: 

If a license is lost, stolen, or damaged, one can obtain a duplicate licence from the RTO by submitting the required document. 

3. Vehicle Permits

It also confines and awards permits for commercial vehicles managed under the RTO. These include: 

• Commercial Vehicle Permits: 

These are required for taxis, trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles operating on both local and interstate highways.

• Temporary and National Permits: 

Temporary permits allow vehicle use for specific purposes, while national permits are for vehicles transporting goods or passengers interstate.

4. Road Tax Collection

Road tax is charged to the one who registers his vehicle and renews it with the RTO. There are two types of road taxes: 

• Lifetime Road Tax: 

For personal vehicles, road tax can be paid during registration.

• Annual Road Tax: 

For commercial vehicles, road tax is paid annually, depending on the vehicle type and usage.

5. Fitness Certificate for Vehicles

Some fitness tests are mandatory for commercial vehicles to determine the suitability of the vehicles for the road. The RTO provides services related to fitness certificate for vehicles: 

• Issuance & Renewal  of Fitness Certificate:

Commercial vehicles must pass fitness tests annually to ensure they are roadworthy.

6. Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC)

Vehicles must undergo emission tests to receive a PUC certificate, typically valid for six months to a year. The RTO monitors and issues these certificates:  

• Issuance of PUC:

Upon passing an emission test, cars are given a PUC certificate, issued for a limited time—from six months to one year. This seals conformity regarding emissions.

• PUC Verification: 

The RTO cross-checks PUC certificates to ascertain that the vehicles conform to road emission norms.

7. No Objection Certificates (NOC)

A NOC for vehicle is an important document obtained by the RTO when a vehicle owner wants to transfer it to another state or from one RTO region to another in the same state. 

If the vehicle is to be transferred to another state, it must be registered again with the new RTO; an NOC is required to do this. In other words, the vehicle cannot be registered in the new state without it.

8. Hypothecation Services

The term hypothecation means placing or varying the financier’s name in the RC of a vehicle. This happens when the car is purchased on an instalment credit from a bank or other financial organisation. When the vehicle is financed, the source of finance, through a remark on the RC as security for the money borrowed, forms part of the data. 

The hypothecation can be removed once the loan is cleared, so the owner has to approach the RTO with documents like a bank closure letter. The RTO will then issue a new RC without mentioning the financier’s name, and all vehicle rights are conferred to the owner.  

9. Enforcement and Road Safety Measures

The RTO also systematically monitors and implements traffic laws and order. It is responsible for checking whether drivers have all the legal paperwork required by law, including licences, registration, insurance, and certification to control pollution. 

By enforcing laws, providing information, education, and law enforcement, the RTO makes roads safer for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

The Ahmedabad RTO is responsible for issuing different types of driving licences that are suitable to a given type of motorcar and motorist capacity:

Here are a few driving licences you can get in Ahmedabad RTO:

• Learner’s Licence
• Temporary Licence 
• Permanent Licence 
• International Licence

Here are the two types of vehicle registration conducted in Ahmedabad RTO:

1. Temporary Registration

Temporary enrollment is typically given when a new vehicle is bought because it grants the vehicle legal operation for only a certain number of days, generally 7 days. The vehicle dealer may offer this service at an added cost. During such a period, the proprietor has to complete the endless enrollment by visiting the Ahmedabad RTO.

Key Points:

• Validity: Usually up to 7 days.
• Purpose: Allows the recipient of OSS to drive while waiting for the grant of permanent registration.
• Issuing Authority: Usually offered by the vehicle dealership that the RTO has accredited.

2. Permanent Registration

Permanent registration is mandatory for every vehicle in India and is valid for almost 15 years for private vehicles and 2 years for commercial vehicles. It should usually be done within the validity period of temporary registration.

Key Points:

• Validity: Permanent but needs to be reactivated after fifteen years for private cars.
• Registration Certificate (RC): Issued as proof of ownership.
• Issuing Authority: After the documents and verified vehicles, the Ahmedabad RTO is one of the most famous RTOs in the entire region.

Such procedures help verify the legal use of the car and the legal requirements for using it in Ahmedabad.

The vehicles presented in Ahmedabad are duly registered and, therefore, allocated with proper number plates per government norms. The types of number plates issued are as follows:

• White Number Plate.
• Red Number Plate 
• Blue Number Plate 
• Black Number Plate 
• Red Number Plate with India Emblem 
• Number Plate with Upward Arrow Issued to military vehicles.

While registering your vehicle, you must pay a registration charge to the RTO offices. The charges to register a vehicle in Ahmedabad are determined based on the type of vehicle and engine capacity:

• Two-wheelers: ₹300
• Three-wheelers (Non-Transport): ₹600
• Three-wheelers (Transport): ₹1,000
• Four-wheelers (LMVs - Non-Transport): ₹600
• Four-wheelers (LMVs - Transport): ₹1,000
• Medium Goods and Passenger Vehicles: ₹1,000
• Heavy Goods and Passenger Vehicles: ₹1,500
• Imported Cars: ₹5,000
• Imported Bikes: ₹2,500

Ensure your vehicle registration is done under these rules so that you do not suffer from the implication of the same or any additional time it may take.

Paying road tax in Ahmedabad is compulsory. Here's a breakdown:

Tax on Two-wheelers

• Tax Rate: 6% of the vehicle's cost.
• Older Vehicles: The tax on cars up to 8 years old is 15% of the lump sum mentioned above. Vehicles over 8 years old are charged 1 %of the lump sum paid or 100 ₹100, whichever is more.

Tax on Four-wheelers

• Tax Rate: Applicable to new privately owned non-transport vehicles concerned only: 6% of cost price.
• Commercial Vehicles (up to 2000 kg): 6% of the vehicle's cost.
• Maxi Cab and OmniBus: Tax is divided into bands that cover 8-12% of the vehicle’s weight depending on the number of seats or the car's weight.
• Medium and Heavy Goods Vehicles: Small vehicles (less than 7,500 kg) attract a 5% tax rate, Medium vehicles ( 7,501-12,000 kg) attract an 8% tax rate, while large vehicles (above 12,001 kg) attract a 12% tax rate.

This road tax is payable as a single amount during the vehicle's working period. The payment is made physically at the RTO office, and the tax structure is much simpler than in other states.

Like other parts of India, Ahmedabad is also strict when it comes to traffic rules. If you violate these rules, the RTO can impose various penalties. It follows the traffic fines of Gujarat. Here are some of the most common fines that the Ahmedabad RTO charges. 

• Not wearing a helmet or seatbelt: ₹500

• Driving without a proper licence: ₹2000 for two-wheelers and ₹3000 for other vehicles 

• Rash driving: ₹1500 for two-wheelers and three-wheelers, ₹3000 for LMVs and ₹5000 for other vehicles 

• Breaking the speed limits: ₹1500-₹2000 for two-wheelers and three-wheelers, ₹1500-₹2000 for tractors, ₹2000-₹3000 for LMVs and ₹4000 with cancelled licence for six months for other vehicles

• Driving unregistered vehicle: ₹1000 for two-wheelers, ₹2000 for three-wheelers, ₹3000 for LMVs

• Drunken driving: ₹10000 and/or imprisonment for six months (if caught once), ₹15000 and/or imprisonment for two years (for repeat offenders)

Yes, it is mandatory to have motor insurance while driving on the streets of Ahmedabad. According to the Motor Vehicles Act, this has become a mandate for every part of India. The policy should at least provide coverage against third-party damages. Ahmedabad RTO can fine up to ₹2000 if they catch you driving an uninsured car, which increases to ₹4000 in case of repeat offenders.

When registering a new or used vehicle at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Ahmedabad, the following documents must be submitted to verify the vehicle's authenticity and its owner. Here is a detailed list of the required documents:

1. Form 20 – Application for Registration of a New Vehicle

This form contains some essential information about the vehicle, including the engine number, chassis number, and some information about the owner.

2. Sale Certificate (Form 21)

The particular vehicle's dealer offers this to ensure the vehicle is sold legally. It includes the date of purchase and buyer and seller details.

3. Roadworthiness Certificate (Form 22)

It is a legal document from a manufacturer that certifies the car's compliance with the laws governing the roads and its safety.

4. Vehicle Insurance Certificate

Insurance details must be submitted as proof of a minimum third-party insurance policy. It must cover at least third-party risks, though a comprehensive policy can also be provided.

5. Temporary Registration Certificate (if applicable)

If the car has a temporary registration given when one buys a vehicle from the dealer, it should surrender when it is registered permanently.

6. Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

The PUC certificate guarantees that the vehicle accumulates to the RTO's emissions standards.

7. Invoice from the Dealer

The facts of the present document confirm the cost of the vehicle and contain information about the sale.

8. Road Tax Payment Receipt

Vehicle road tax depends on the car's category and engine size. It should be paid every time a car is registered. A receipt is required.

9. Proof of Identity

You must submit one of the following documents to confirm your identity:

• Aadhaar card
• Voter ID card
• PAN card
• Passport
• Driving licence

10. Proof of the Address of the Vehicle's Owner

You need to provide proof of your residential address in Ahmedabad. Acceptable documents include:

• Aadhaar card
• Voter ID card
• Passport
• Utility bills (electricity, water, gas)
• Lease agreement (if renting)

11. Customs Clearance Certificate (for imported Vehicles)

If the vehicle is imported, customs should clear it with legal proof that the used vehicle import tax has been paid.

12. PAN Card or Form 60/61

You need to have a PAN card if the price of the vehicle is more than ₹50,000. If not, you can fill out Form 60/61.

13. Bank NOC (if financed)

If the vehicle was financed, a clearance certificate from the bank or financial institution is necessary, as the vehicle can be registered in the owner’s name.

With these documents, vehicle owners in Ahmedabad can facilitate their vehicle registration and see whether it meets the city's standards. Local details or new updates can be taken from the official site of the Ahmedabad RTO or the office itself. 

Below are a few traffic events that occurred in Ahmedabad:

From 17 September to 19 September 2024, PM Modi visited Ahmedabad, and the traffic police issued diversions for security reasons. As the public meeting was at GMDC Ground, vehicular movement was closed from 10 a.m. until the event ended, causing traffic congestion.

Moreover, Ahmedabad is now using AI-powered dashcams in police PCR vans to decrease traffic violations. The cameras connected with the AI software instantly issue an e-challan.

When it comes to road safety, it is important to raise road safety awareness among residents to reduce the number of road accidents. The government often arranges road safety campaigns in this area. Some of the most popular ones are listed below:

• Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India conducted a road safety campaign at Tulip International School, along with 2,500 school students and staff members.
• The traffic DCP of Ahmedabad also emphasised the significance of wearing helmets at the #RideSafeIndia initiative in Ahmedabad. This project is in collaboration between the New Indian Express and Hero MotoCorp.

All of these initiatives embody Ahmedabad’s travelling safety initiatives and the rising traffic mishaps within the city.