Hospet, also known as Vijayanagara is the largest city in the Vijayanagara district in the state of Karnataka. It is famous for the ruins of the Vijayanagar empire and attracts a lot of tourists all around the year for its historical significance. Tourist sites and attractions have increased transportation here. 

The tourist permits are issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Hospet. The RTO also issues driving licences and registers new and transferred vehicles.

To  know  more about Hospet RTO, you can visit the link:

https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservice/stateSelection.do

Hospet RTO performs the following functions:

• Conducts driving tests for issuing driver’s licences

• Registration and renewal of the registration certificates of vehicles

• Issuing pollution certificates (PUC)

• Issues vehicle permits

• Issues International Driving Licence

• Transfers ownership of vehicles

• Conducts vehicle fitness tests for issuing fitness certificates for vehicles.

• Issues No Objection Certificates (NOC) for vehicle registration in another state.

It is mandatory to own a driving licence when driving in India. Hospet RTO issues different types of driving licence, as listed below:

• Two-wheeler licence

• Motor vehicle licence for those without gears.

• Motor vehicle licence for those with gears

• Light motor vehicles for transport purposes.

• Light motor vehicles for non-transport purposes.

• Heavy goods vehicle licence

• Heavy trailer licence

• Open licence for heavy passenger motor vehicles.

Hospet RTO provides two types of vehicle registrations:

• Temporary Registration

• Permanent Registration

It is mandatory to get your new vehicle registered to get a registration certificate. The various charges related to the registration of vehicles at Hospet RTO are listed below:

• Registration Charges: ₹600 for all cars

• Temporary Registration Charges: ₹1200- ₹1500

• Hypothecation Charges: ₹1500 

• Number Plate Charges: ₹230- ₹400

• State Development Charges: ₹2000-₹4000

The fee of a duplication registration certificate is half the amount of the registration of the vehicle.

Road tax in Hospet is collected by Hospet RTO for the Karnataka government. Karnataka Road Tax structure is as follows:

In Karnataka, the tax amount remains the same for both private and commercial vehicles.

• Road tax on Bikes: 10%-18% of the vehicle cost depending on the price 

• Road tax on Four-wheelers: 13%-18% of the vehicle cost depending on the price

Traffic rules are mandatory to follow for every citizen.  Violation of traffic rules will result in hefty fines.Below are traffic fines in Karnataka:

• Driving Without a Seatbelt: ₹500

• Driving While Using Mobile: ₹5000

• Triple Riding on Two-Capacity Vehicle: ₹2000

• Over Speeding: ₹1000-₹2000

• Driving Under Influence: ₹10000

In India, it is mandatory to have motor insurance. If you do not get your car insured and drive it on the road, you will have to pay a fine of ₹2000 for the first offence, and ₹4000, for the second time. Third-party insurance is compulsory for all vehicle owners in India.

People’s lack of awareness about road safety measures is the main reason behind unfortunate traffic events in Hospet. Some of such events are listed below:

• A news report from January 2023 shows that two drivers recklessly riding bikes hit the divider and got injured. According to reports, both were attempting to mimic a movie stunt when this incident happened. None of them were wearing helmets.

• Another report suggests that the Hospet-Kishtagi road that forms a part of the national highway has become a death trap for animals that come out searching for food. The overspeeding of motorists and not being able to see the signboards at night is attributed as the cause behind these unfortunate incidents.

Karnataka State Road Safety Authority is responsible for planning and organising road safety campaigns and enthusing people to take road safety seriously. 

• Good Samaritan Award

The Karnataka state road safety authority has provided the scheme of awarding those who have proved to be helpful towards other citizens in times of emergency. Such awards can make people come forward during accidents to help others instead of avoiding the situation out of fear of interrogation by the police. 

• Financial Assistance for Road Safety Advocacy

Road safety advocacy is pivotal in involving people in understanding the importance of road safety to reduce unfortunate accidents. The Karnataka State Road Safety Authority has provided a scheme for providing financial assistance for such advocacies.