Mumbai has the busiest RTO offices in India, and there are 5 RTO zones operating under the Ministry of Transport of Maharashtra's jurisdiction. The RTO was established under Section 213 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. With its huge population, Mumbai often suffers from massive traffic congestion.

The Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) monitor and maintain seamless traffic. 

Continue reading to know more details regarding the Mumbai RTO.

If you wish to visit the official website of Mumbai RTO, click on the following link. It will redirect you to the RTO website of Mumbai. 

Mumbai RTO Website: https://transport.maharashtra.gov.in/1035/Home

The services provided by Regional Transport Offices (RTO) in Mumbai include many services to regulate everything related to the vehicular and transportation sector in the city. Below is an in-depth look at the key services provided by the RTOs:

1. Vehicle Registration

The registration number is mandatory for the new vehicle and the used vehicles. The RTO provides the following services related to vehicle registration:  

• New Vehicle Registration: Any type of vehicle, whether personal or commercial, must be registered with the concerned RTO. A Registration Certificate (RC) is produced on registration, which remains valid for 15 years for motor cars and two years for motor carriages. 
• Required Documents: Sale receipt or sale invoice, Insurance, Address proof, Identity proof and PUC certificate. 
• Temporary and Permanent Registration: The dealers provide temporary registrations for the new vehicles, which are only valid for one month. At that time, one should obtain permanent registration.   
• Transfer of Ownership: Whenever a used car changes hands, its title must be transferred from one owner to another. As a result of the transfer of ownership, the RTO alters the Registration Certificate.  
• Renewal of Registration: After the first registration of the vehicle has elapsed, within an average of 15 years for private cars, the RC has to be renewed to use the car legally. 

2. Driving Licences

RTO also classifies and offers a variety of driving licences. There are different types of driving licences. These include: 

• Learner's Licence: A learner’s licence is the first licence a driver gets after passing a test on traffic rules and signs. 
• Permanent Driving Licence: Learner licence holders can seek a driving licence after 30 days of practice. As mentioned, an applicant must undertake a practical test at the RTO to be allowed to drive. 
• Renewal of Driving Licence: The driving licence can only be renewed after twenty years of issuance or when the holder is over fifty. The RTO does this for applicants whose licences are due to expire. 
• International Driving Permit (IDP): The RTO also provides International Driving Permits (IDPs) to people who intend to drive to other countries. The IDP is recognised in many countries and is usually valid for one year.   
• Duplicate Driving Licence: If a licence is lost, stolen, or damaged, one can obtain a duplicate licence from the RTO by submitting the required document. 
• Licence Endorsements and Upgrades: The RTO provides endorsements for people who want to add other classes of vehicles, such as moving from a private vehicle class to a commercial class. 

3. Vehicle Permits

It also confines and awards permits for commercial vehicles managed under the RTO. These include: 

• Commercial Vehicle Permits: Passenger and goods cars, including taxis, buses, trucks, and other commercial vehicles, can only be legally used with a permit. Permits may be obtained for local, state, or interstate business operations.   
• Temporary and National Permits: Nonrenewable permits permit vehicle use on the road but for a limited period or for a particular purpose only. A national permit is required for vehicles in interstate operations for the transportation market. 

4. Road Tax Collection

Road tax is charged to the one who registers his vehicle and renews it with the RTO. There are two types of road taxes: 

• Lifetime Road Tax: For private automobiles, for instance, the lifetime tax might be paid during registration. The cost differs depending on the vehicle's cost and class.  
• Annual Road Tax: Road tax for commercial purposes is paid annually. The tax is based on the type and size of the car.  

5. Fitness Certificate for Vehicles

Some fitness tests are mandatory for commercial vehicles to determine the suitability of the vehicles for the road. The RTO provides services related to this: 

• Issuance of Fitness Certificate: A fitness certificate is required for commercial vehicles every year. These tests check whether the vehicle is suitable for use on the roads without causing anyone danger.    
• Renewal of Fitness Certificate: As in the case of registration, the fitness certificates are issued for a limited period depending on the type of vehicle and usage. 

6. Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC)

The services include obtaining a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate that checks the vehicle's emissions. The RTO monitors and issues these certificates:  

• Issuance of PUC: This is because once a vehicle has undergone an emission test, it is provided with a PUC certificate for a certain period, say six months or one year. This substantiates conformity to vehicle emission rates, whereby high emissions on any vehicle are prohibited. 
• PUC Verification: The RTO also checks PUC certificates to ensure the conformity of vehicles that travel the country's roads.

7. No Objection Certificates (NOC)

This RTO issues a No Objection Certificate (NOC) when the vehicle owner intends to shift the vehicle to another state or change the RTO jurisdiction. This service is essential for the legal movement of vehicles across states: 

• Transfer of Vehicle to Another State: NOC is very important when you wish to transfer the ownership of your vehicle from one state to the next. The NOC helps to register automobiles in the new state without any intervention from the First RTO.
• Inter-RTO Transfer: If you plan to move your residence within the same state but to an area regulated by a different RTO, you need an NOC to transfer your vehicle. 

8. Hypothecation Services

Every time a vehicle is bought under a loan, the financier’s details are entered in the RC. The RTO provides the following services related to hypothecation:   

• Addition of Hypothecation: If the vehicle is financed during registration, the RTO will write the financier’s name on the RC for hypothecation. 
• Removal of Hypothecation: Once the loan has been paid, the car owner prefers that the financier’s details not be included in the RC.

9. Enforcement and Road Safety Measures

However, it is tasked to implement traffic laws and some road safety mechanisms primarily. They conduct:  

• Enforcement of Traffic Laws: The RTO's power covers all aspects of implementing road safety standards and punishing people for offences such as overspeeding, drunk driving, and others. 
• Road Safety Awareness Programs: In conjunction with other government organisations, the RTO sensitises people to traffic laws and safe road use. 

These services involving the RTOs in Mumbai help support the growth of the city's vehicle fleet and establish proper, standard, secure, and well-organised transportation.  

RTO of Mumbai is responsible for issuing driving licences for the residents of Mumbai. As of now, you can get four types of driving licences from Mumbai RTO. These are as follows.

• International Driving Permit
• Learners’/Permanent Licence
• Commercial Driving Licence
• Licence for Transport Vehicles

Here are the two types of vehicle registration done in Mumbai RTO.

1. Temporary Registration

Temporary registration is given when a new car is bought and usually lasts up to three months. It allows the car to be legally used for some time until it is legally registered by the rightful owners. The dealer provides temporary registration, and the license period is limited to one month. At this time, the owner should go to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to register for a permanent one.

Key Points:

• Validity: Lasts up to one month.
• Purpose: To grant permission to drive as the permanent registration process is being prepared.
• Issuing Authority: Mostly given by the car dealership authorised by the RTO. 

2. Permanent Registration

Permanent registration is mandatory for any conveyance operating legally on the country's highways. However, after buying a car, the owner must bring it to be permanently registered at the Mumbai RTO. The RTO checks for the necessary documents, such as the bill receipt, address validity, and insurance. 

A registration number relating to the particular vehicle is issued upon successful verification. This registration number on the number plate becomes the official number of the vehicle, which can be used for life but must be relicensed after 15 years for private car usage.

Key Points:

• Validity: Permanent (legally renewable beyond fifteen years for automobiles of private use).
• Registration Certificate (RC): After the permanent registration, the RTO provides an RC proving vehicle ownership.
• Issuing Authority: Mumbai RTO after document verification and vehicle inspection.

The registration number assigned from the Mumbai RTO must be made in the required style of the number plate format given by the RTO. Failure to register a car for some time in the stipulated time is unlawful and has certain repercussions.

Once the cars are registered, they are issued with valid number plates from the RTO of Mumbai. It is mandatory to get a valid number plate to drive legally on the roads of India. Here are the different types of number plates that Mumbai RTO issues. 

• White Number Plate
• Yellow Number Plate
• Red Number Plate
• Green Number Plate
• Blue Number Plate
• Black Number Plate
• Red Number Plate with the Emblem of India
• Number Plate with an Upward Arrow

Every resident must pay a registration charge to the RTO in Mumbai to get their vehicle registration certificate. This charge is calculated based on the engine capacity or type of vehicle. Here are the typical registration fees:

• Two-Wheelers: ₹300
• Three-Wheelers: ₹600 for non-transport and ₹1,000 for transport vehicles
• Four-Wheelers (LMVs): ₹600 for non-transport and ₹1,000 for transport vehicles
• Medium Goods and Passenger Vehicles: ₹1,000
• Heavy Goods and Passenger Vehicles: ₹1,500
• Imported Cars: ₹5,000
• Imported Bikes: ₹2,500

Here is the road tax structure for Mumbai based on the type of vehicle:

For Two-Wheelers

• Motorcycles (Below 99 cc engine capacity): 10% of the vehicle cost (minimum ₹1,500)
• Motorcycles (99 cc-299 cc engine capacity): 11% of the vehicle cost (minimum ₹1,500)
• Motorcycles (Above 299 cc engine capacity): 12% of the vehicle cost (minimum ₹1,500)
• Older Vehicles: For vehicles registered for the second time, the road tax percentage decreases based on the number of years passed since the initial registration, starting from 95.8% in the first two years and decreasing annually to 32.7% after 12 years.

For Four-Wheelers

• CNG/LPG Vehicles:
  • Vehicles up to ₹10 lakhs: 7%
  • Vehicles between ₹10 and ₹20 lakhs: 8%
  • Vehicles above ₹20 lakhs: 9%
• Petrol Cars:
  • Vehicles up to ₹10 lakhs: 11%
  • Vehicles between ₹10 and ₹20 lakhs: 12%
  • Vehicles above ₹20 lakhs: 13%
• Diesel Cars:
  • Vehicles up to ₹10 lakhs: 13%
  • Vehicles between ₹10 and ₹20 lakhs: 14%
  • Vehicles above ₹20 lakhs: 15%
• Older Vehicles: Like two-wheelers, the road tax for re-registration decreases with age, starting from 95.8% for the first two years and reducing progressively to 32.7% after 12 years.

The tax is calculated for commercial vehicles, such as buses, based on the number of seats and whether the vehicle is air-conditioned.

Traffic rules are strict in Mumbai. If you fail to follow these while driving, you will be subjected to pay. Traffic fines in Mumbai start from ₹200 and can rise up to ₹25,000. Moreover, it can also lead to imprisonment for about a year. Here are the most complicated fines you can face in Mumbai.

• Drunk Driving: ₹10,000 and/or 6 months prison 
• Blocking Emergency Vehicles: ₹10,000 and/or community service
• Juvenile Offences: ₹25,000 with 3 years prison
• Driving/Riding despite Disqualification: ₹10,000, and/or community service
• Aggregators without a Driving Licence: ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000 

A recent report shows that the Mumbai traffic police started a door-to-door drive collecting pending traffic fines. This helped them collect about ₹1 crore. Non-payment of dues from motorists drove the traffic police to take this step.

Yes, it is mandatory to have a motor insurance policy while driving a vehicle in Mumbai. Every driver must own a policy that at least covers third-party damages. If someone is caught driving without a driving licence, he/she faces the penalty of a fine of ₹ 2,000 or imprisonment for up to three months. If caught for a second time, he/she might be fined ₹ 4,000. 

When registering a new or used vehicle at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Mumbai, the following documents must be submitted to verify the vehicle's authenticity and its owner. Here is a detailed list of the required documents:

1. Form 20 – Application for Registration of a New Vehicle

This official form must be completed for vehicle registration. It includes details about the vehicle, the owner, and other relevant information.

2. Sale Certificate (Form 21)

This certificate, issued by the vehicle dealer, ensures that the vehicle was purchased legally. It includes the date of purchase and buyer and seller details.

3. Roadworthiness Certificate (Form 22)

This certificate, provided by the vehicle manufacturer, declares that the vehicle is safe and fit for road use and complies with the Motor Vehicles Act.

4. Vehicle Insurance Certificate

A valid vehicle insurance policy is mandatory during registration. It must cover at least third-party risks, though a comprehensive policy can also be provided.

5. Temporary Registration Certificate (where necessary)

If the dealer issued a temporary registration number, it must be submitted when applying for permanent registration.

6. Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

This certificate confirms that the vehicle meets emission standards and is roadworthy without exceeding permissible pollution levels.

7. Invoice from the Dealer

The original purchase invoice must verify the vehicle's price and specifications.

8. Road Tax Payment Receipt

The road tax must be paid at the time of registration. The amount depends on the type and cost of the vehicle. A receipt for this payment is required.

9. Proof of Identity

You must submit one of the following documents to confirm your identity:

• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID Card
• PAN Card
• Passport
• Driving License

10. Address Proof of the Vehicle Owner

You need to provide proof of your residential address in Mumbai. Acceptable documents include:

• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID Card
• Passport
• Utility Bills (electricity, water, gas)
• Lease Agreement (if renting)

11. Passport-Size Photographs

Recent passport-sized photographs must be submitted for documentation purposes.

12. Customs Clearance Certificate (for Imported Vehicles)

A customs clearance certificate is necessary for imported vehicles to confirm that all customs and import procedures have been completed.

13. PAN Card or Form 60/61

If the vehicle’s cost exceeds ₹50,000, a PAN card must be provided for tax purposes. If you don’t have a PAN card, you can submit Form 60/61.

14. Bank NOC (if financed)

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank or financial institution must be submitted if the vehicle was purchased with a loan. This document indicates that the financier has no objection to registering the vehicle in the owner’s name.

By submitting these documents, you ensure that your vehicle is registered legally with the Mumbai RTO, making it roadworthy and compliant with the law.

In 2024, several high-profile accidents have occurred recently in Mumbai. Let’s take a look at a few of them below:

1. Musheer Khan’s Accident (September 2024): Cricketer Musheer Khan was involved in a serious road accident, but his condition was later reported as stable.
2. Worker Killed on Coastal Road (September 2024): A worker was tragically killed after being hit by a BMW driven by a diamond merchant on the Coastal Road at Worli.
3. Bandra-Worli Sea Link Crash (November 2023): A multi-car crash at the Bandra-Worli Sea Link resulted in three deaths and several injuries.

The authorities are still investigating and taking further action regarding these cases.

Despite ongoing traffic issues, road safety has improved. Mumbai saw a 30% reduction in road accident deaths in 2023, primarily due to stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and awareness campaigns.

The vehicles registered in Maharashtra can avail of the following faceless services without having to visit the RTO:

• Getting a No Objection Certificate (NOC)

• Changing address on Registration Certificate (RC)

• Getting a secondary or duplicate RC

• Renewing a driving licence

• Changing address on a licence 

• Transferring licence to another state 

The state government of Maharashtra recently came up with this service to reduce time and paper wastage in these activities and services. Moreover, it is an initiative to reduce the hassles and difficulties of the residents who might find it challenging to visit the RTO for such services.

Mumbai's accident rate is high. Here are a couple of road safety campaigns that the government and non-governmental bodies have undertaken to raise awareness among the residents: 

Rickshaw Driver Safety Campaign (2024)

The Mahape Traffic Branch in Navi Mumbai conducted ‘Say No to Signal Jumping’, a road safety drive. Through workshops, live and dynamic activities, and other activities, participants were educated about signal regulations on the road, specifically for rickshaw drivers. The aim was to popularise safe driving and reduce accidents on our roads.

Road Safety Week (2023)

This was a cause-related marketing campaign that was launched by &TV in association with the Mumbai Traffic police in January 2023; the episode's characters from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai asking problem-solving with the Mumbai Traffic police and calling the people of Mumbai to stop violating the traffic signals. Ground activities were carried out here, and an online platform was created where friendly reminders can be sent out.