Udupi, one of the fastest growing cities in Karnataka is situated fifty-five kilometres north of Mangalore and four hundred and twenty-two kilometres west of Bangalore. It is also a popular tourist destination. With the city's population growing at 14.03% and its proximity to NH 66 and NH 169A, transportation in and out here is also increasing. The Regional Transport Office in Udupi (KA-20) regulates all the transport laws and provides services including vehicle registration and issuing driver's licences. It ensures smooth traffic across the city.

Udupi RTO performs the following functions:

• Registering vehicles and giving registration certificates

• Issuing and renewing driver’s licences

• Levying penalties for violating traffic rules in the city

• Issuing vehicle fitness certificates after conducting fitness tests

• Regulating driving schools

• Issuing pollution certificates (PUC)

• Granting registration to e-autorikshaws and other innovative projects by the Karnataka State Government

Various types of driving licences are issued by Udupi 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.

There are two types of vehicle registrations available at Udupi RTO:

• Temporary registration

• Permanent registration

Charges that come with the  registration of  your vehicle at the Udupi RTO are as follows:

• 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.

The tax collected by the RTO is given to the state government. Karnataka Road Tax structure is as follows:

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

• Less Than ₹5000: 10% of vehicle cost

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

• Over ₹100000: 18% of vehicle cost

• Less Than ₹5 lakhs: 13% of vehicle cost

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

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

• More Than ₹20 lakhs: 18% of vehicle cost

You will receive an E-challan if you violate any traffic rules. The fine should be paid within 60 days of receiving the challan. This can be paid for either offline or online. The fine varies with offences committed.

Below are traffic fines in Karnataka:

• Driving Without Seatbelt: ₹500

• Overloading of Two-wheeler: ₹500

• Driving Without a helmet: ₹500

• Over speeding: ₹1000-₹2000

• Rash driving: ₹1000

According to the Motor Vehicles Act, it is mandatory to have motor insurance. Your insurance policy should at least cover third-party damages. Otherwise, RTO Udupi will charge a fine of ₹2000 for the first offence, and ₹4000, for the second time.

Following are a few traffic events in Udupi:

• A recent report shows that the Superintendent of Police in Udupi issued guidelines to restaurants, pubs and the public in general to ensure road safety on New Year’s Eve. The guidelines were imposed so that traffic congestion does not occur and smooth traffic can ensue on 1st January 2023. 

• According to another report, Udupi has installed a modern signal light system. One of the main reasons behind traffic jams is the lack of proper signal lights. The ultra-modern signal system will now televise displays about road safety

• Awareness Program on Traffic Safety 

Mr Ravi Shankar of Udupi RTO took initiative to conduct an awareness program on road safety in Mother Theresa Hall. He conducted this awareness campaign for school children in grades seven to nine. This campaign highlighted the importance of strictly following the mandatory traffic signals, hand signs and other traffic rules.

• Awareness by Students 

Students of the Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute of Technology and Management, Udupi participated in the road safety program by taking out a march from the college to Bantakal town holding placards and voicing slogans. They also distributed leaflets to people.