Ambala is one of the districts in Haryana, popularly known for its army cantonment. Even though this is a small city, there are four Regional Traffic Offices in Ambala. These RTOs function according to the guidelines set by the Motor Vehicle Act and state guidelines. 

Further, the RTOs are identified by specific codes, HR 54, HR 85, HR 37 and HR 01.

The functioning of the Regional Transport Office in Ambala is very important. One of their responsibilities is maintaining a database of registered vehicles and drivers.

• Taking driving tests

• Providing learner’s permit

• Issuing driving licences

• Offering tourist and transportation permits 

• Authorising vehicle registration certificates and tracking its process

• Renewing or providing duplicate driving licence

The RTO in Ambala issues multiple types of driving licence.

• Permanent driving licence

• Learner’s licence

• Commercial vehicle licence

• International Driving Permit

Only two types of vehicle registration are done in Ambala RTO. 

• Permanent Vehicle Registration

• Temporary Vehicle Registration

According to the Haryana Government Transport Department, uniform vehicle registration charges are applicable in all the districts. 

• Two-wheelers: ₹300

• Invalid Carriages: ₹50

• Light Motor Vehicles: ₹600- ₹1000 

• Medium Motor Vehicles: ₹1000

• Heavy Motor Vehicles: ₹1500

The RTO levies road tax as a certain percentage of the overall vehicle's value or a fixed amount depending on certain criteria. As per Haryana state guidelines, all the RTOs must follow one uniform amount. Thus, the Ambala RTO charges the same amount in regard to Haryana road tax.

• Two-wheelers: 4% to 8% of the vehicle cost, higher the vehicle cost, the higher percentage of road tax is to be paid

• Four-wheelers: 5% to 10% of the vehicle cost, higher the vehicle cost, the higher percentage of road tax is to be paid

• Commercial vehicles: ₹600 to ₹1450 per quarterly depending on the vehicle type/cost

In case someone disobeys the traffic rules in Ambala, Haryana, they would have to pay a serious penalty for their offences. However, paying penalty charges is not always about traffic fines. Sometimes it can be disqualification of one's licence and even imprisonment.

• Driving without a licence: ₹5000

• Under-age driving without a licence: ₹5000

• Having multiple driving licences: ₹500 for the first time, ₹1500 for the repetitive offence

• Violating air pollution standards: ₹10,000

• Dangerous driving: ₹5000 for the first time, ₹10,000 for the subsequent time

• Disobeying police orders: ₹2000

Yes, having insurance is mandatory when driving a vehicle in Ambala is mandatory under the Motor Vehicle Act. It further states one must at least have a third-party liability cover. If anyone is caught without valid motor vehicle insurance, they would be liable to pay the penalty.

A road accident was reported where a collision between a motorcycle and an SUV car happened. This accident happened on National Highway 44 in Ambala. The situation was further aggravated when the accused assaulted the police officer by tearing his uniform.

The frequency of road accidents in Ambala was quite high. Three people died in road accidents within 24 hours a few months back. As reported in one of the incidents, an ex-Army person died as a tractor coming from the wrong side hit his Activa. In the second incident, a pedestrian was killed when an unknown vehicle hit him in Hasnapur. In the third accident, a woman riding a motorcycle was hit by another two-wheeler. 

Honda took the initiative to conduct a road safety awareness campaign. Autocarpro news channel covered this event. It was a three-day camp at DAV Public school in Ambala. Around 3000 students and staff actively participated in this campaign. There were interactive sessions, along with theoretical and practical ones.