Shimoga or Shivamogga is a city in Karnataka. This city has also been selected for the Smart Cities project. The economy of this city is dependent on agricultural products like areca nuts, maize, rice, etc. Import-export of these products, and close proximity to Mysore, Bangalore, Hubli, etc., have contributed to increased transportation. 

The Regional Transport Office (RTO) with code KA-15, along with the traffic department is responsible for looking after traffic and transportation.

Shimoga RTO performs the following functions:

• Issues vehicle permits

• Issues International Driving Permit ( IDP)

• 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.

• Conducts driving tests for issuing driver’s licences

• Registration and renewal of the registration certificates of vehicles

Various types of driving licences are issued by Shimoga RTO:

• Driver’s licence

• Learner’s licence

• Two-wheeler licence

• Licence for a motor vehicle without gears

• Licence for a motor vehicle with gears

• Licence for light motor vehicles for transport purposes

• Licence for light motor vehicles for non-transport purposes

• Heavy goods vehicle licence

• Heavy trailer licence

• Open licence for heavy passenger motor vehicles

Types of vehicle registrations provided by Shimoga RTO:

• Temporary Registration

• Permanent Registration

Shimoga RTO has the role of registering new vehicles and providing the registration certificate. Charges related to the registration of vehicles 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.

RTO Shimoga collects road tax for the Karnataka Government. Karnataka Road Tax structure is as follows:

Note that in Karnataka, the tax amount remains the same for both private and commercial vehicles.

Road Tax on Bikes:

Under ₹5000: 10% of vehicle cost

Between ₹5000-₹100000: 12% of vehicle cost

Over ₹100000: 18% of vehicle cost

Road Tax on Four-wheelers:

Under ₹5 lakhs: 13% of vehicle cost

Between ₹5 lakhs-₹10 lakhs: 14% of vehicle cost

Between ₹10 lakhs-₹20 lakhs: 17% of vehicle cost

Over ₹20 lakhs: 18% of vehicle cost

Traffic fine amounts differ with the traffic violation committed. 

Below are traffic fines in Karnataka:

• Minor Driving: ₹5000

• Jaywalking: Court fine

• Drink and Drive Offence: Court fine

• Over Speeding: ₹1000-₹2000

• Driving Under Influence: ₹10000

Yes, it is mandatory to have motor insurance in India. Failing to get vehicle insurance will attract a fine of ₹2000 for the first offence, and ₹4000, for the second time. Third-party insurance is a compulsion for all vehicle owners in India.

People's lack of awareness of road safety and poor road conditions are the reasons behind traffic jams and road accidents. Below are a few traffic events in Shimoga:

• A report shows that on 27th February, there was a severe traffic jam in Shimoga. This happened due to the inauguration of the airport which was attended by a lot of people. Only VIP and official vehicles were allowed while other vehicles were parked on the other side taking up the parking space which led to heavy traffic congestion. 

• Another report suggests that in 2022, a car collided head-on with a truck resulting in the death of three students and severely injuring another. This happened early in the morning and according to the reports, the car hit the truck because it was overtaking other vehicles.

Road awareness programs in Shimoga to reduce accidents are as follows:

• iRAD (Integrated Road Accident Database)

This is an initiative of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and is funded by the World Bank. The Integrated Road Accident Database will give insights into the scenario of Accidents in India and will help officials to improve situations and reduce road accidents.

• Students Awareness 

As a part of the National Road Safety Week 2023, the Shimoga District Police organised an awareness program at Jayaprakash Narayan Pre-Graduate College High School. The students were made aware of traffic rules, and norms and the necessity to follow them.