Thiruvananthapuram, previously known as Trivandrum, is the capital city of Kerala. Though it has a well-developed road transport infrastructure, the city is always crowded due to its huge population and tourism. 

Therefore, to prevent accidents and maintain seamless traffic conditions Thiruvananthapuram RTO regulates a comprehensive database of all motor vehicles registered in the city. The registered RTO code of the office is KL-01.

Here is the list of functions Thiruvananthapuram RTO performs:

• Issue and renew driving licence
• Take charge of vehicle inspection
• Provide motor vehicle permits
• Issue vehicle fitness certificates
• Collect vehicle road taxes
• Conduct vehicle fitness tests and provide PUC certificates 
• Transfer vehicle registration
• Regulate traffic rules of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways 
• Issue and carry vehicle RC renewal 
• Conduct traffic awareness campaigns

The Thiruvananthapuram RTO offers various types of driving licence including: 

• Learner’s Licence

• Permanent Driving Licence

• Commercial Driving Licence

• International Driving Licence

As per the Motor Vehicle Act, Thiruvananthapuram RTO provides 2 types of vehicle registration to its residents: 

• Permanent Registration

• Temporary Registration 

When the officials authenticate the documents of the applicants, they issue a unique registration number.

Here is the list of vehicle registration charges Thiruvananthapuram RTO applies: 

• Registration Charges: ₹600 

• Temporary Registration Charges (for 1 month): ₹1500 to ₹2500

• Number Plate Charges (as well as HSRP Number Plate): ₹230 to ₹400

• Hypothecation Charges (if purchased on a loan): ₹1500

• State Development Charges/Parking Fee: ₹2000 (cars below ₹4 Lakhs) to ₹4000 (cars over ₹4 Lakhs)

• FasTag Charges: Between ₹500 to ₹600

Thiruvananthapuram RTO levies road taxes according to the Kerala Motor Vehicles Taxation Act of 1976. In this regard, every individual having a vehicle has to pay Kerala road taxes: 

Two-wheelers:

• New motorcycles: 6% of the vehicle’s price

Four-wheelers:

• Below ₹5 Lakhs: 6% of the vehicle’s price

• Between ₹5 Lakhs and ₹10 Lakhs: 8% of the vehicle’s price

• Between ₹10 Lakhs and ₹20 Lakhs: 10% to 15% of the vehicle’s price

• Over ₹20 Lakhs: 20% of the vehicle’s price

• Engine capacity within 1500 cc (under ₹20 Lakhs): 6% of the vehicle’s price

• Engine capacity within 1500 cc (above ₹20 Lakhs): 20% of the vehicle’s price

Vehicles from Other Indian States:

• For 1 year: 6% of the vehicle’s price

• Up to 1 year and 5 years: 5.58% to 4.38% of the vehicle’s price

• Up to 5 years and 10 years: 4.02% to 2.40% of the vehicle’s price

• Over 10 years and below 15 years: 1.98% to 0.24% of the vehicle’s price

Individuals can be penalised under the provisions of the traffic fines in Kerala for not following traffic rules in Thiruvananthapuram. Here are some of the most occurring traffic fines in Thiruvananthapuram: 

• Driving Without a Licence: ₹5000 and/or community service

• Triple Riding on Two-wheeler: ₹1000

• Driving With No Seat Belt on: ₹1000 or/and community service

• Minor Driving Offences: ₹25000

• Using Mobile While Driving: ₹5000

• Violation of the Traffic Signals: 5000 (for the first offence) and ₹10000 (for subsequent offence)

• Parking in No Parking Zone: ₹500 (for the first offence) and ₹1500 (for subsequent offence)

• Drunk Driving: ₹10000 and/or 6 months in prison and ₹15000 and/or 2 years in prison for repetitive violation

• Riding With No Helmet on: ₹1000 or/and licence seizure and community service for 3 months

Yes, it is mandatory to have motor insurance while driving in Thiruvananthapuram. An individual has to pay a ₹2000 fine for not having insurance for the first time. In addition, the fine amount will be ₹4000 if the offence occurs again.

Due to poor and unscientific infrastructure and a lack of proper safety gear, Kerala is dealing with several road accidents each day. A recent news report says about 2 separate road accidents resulting in 2 persons’ death and 4 other casualties in Thiruvananthapuram.

Another report confirms 3 people died including a newborn on the national highway at Thamarakulam when a speeding KSRTC bus hit an auto-rickshaw.

Amid all these road accidents, there is still a ray of hope as per the reports of the State Transport Department. They said that the average number of traffic violations came down to almost half after the installation of AI cameras on the streets. 

A report confirmed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched 726 AI road surveillance cameras to reduce accidents by preventing traffic violations. On this note a report says, CM Pinarayi Vijayan has also directed to enforce strict actions towards those driving in an intoxicated state. He has ordered special vehicles to detect drug usage.