At the heart of South Mumbai is Tardeo, a commercial and residential area that retains its past even as it has evolved into a contemporary area. The Tardeo RTO Office, which is registered as MH-01, precisely controls and organises vehicle movement.

This department was established under the 1988 Motor Vehicles Act, also as an office ensuring adherence to road management laws while at the same time providing a smooth setup of services such as contract agreements to local vehicle owners.

Read on to learn how the Tardeo RTO contributes to the safety and convenience of South Mumbai’s residents, making city life both manageable and safe.

The Tardeo RTO offers comprehensive services to address various vehicle and transportation needs. Here’s a closer look at what this RTO office provides:

1. Vehicle Registration

Vehicle registration is crucial for both new and pre-owned cars. The Tardeo RTO offers the following services for vehicle registration:

• New Vehicle Registration: All personal and commercial vehicles must be registered with the RTO. After registration, a Registration Certificate (RC) is provided, which remains valid for 15 years for personal vehicles and 2 years for commercial vehicles.
• Temporary and Permanent Registration: Temporary registrations, usually issued by car dealers, are valid for up to one month. Vehicle owners must apply for permanent registration within this period.
• Transfer of Ownership:  If a used vehicle is sold or purchased, the RTO facilitates the transfer of ownership, ensuring that the RC is updated accordingly.
• Renewal of Registration: Once the validity of the initial registration expires, vehicle owners must renew their RC to continue using the vehicle legally.

2. Driving Licences

The Tardeo RTO manages and issues different types of driving licences, including:

• Learner’s Licence: First-time drivers are issued a licence after passing a traffic rules exam.
• Permanent Driving Licence: After 30 days with a learner's licence, individuals can apply for a permanent driving licence, which is given following a practical driving test.
• Renewal of Driving Licence: Driving licences must be renewed every 20 years or when the person reaches 50 years of age.
• International Driving Permit (IDP): This is provided to individuals who wish to drive a vehicle in a foreign country and is valid for a year.
• Duplicate Driving Licence: If your original licence is lost or destroyed, you can acquire a duplicate.
• Licence Endorsements and Upgrades: Drivers can update their licences to include other vehicle classifications, such as commercial vehicle licences.

3. Vehicle Permits

For commercial vehicle operators, the Tardeo RTO provides:

• Commercial Vehicle Permits: Mandatory for taxis, buses, and trucks operating on state or interstate routes.
• Temporary and National Permits: Temporary permits are intended for short-term use, whereas national permits are necessary for interstate transportation services.

4. Road Tax Collection

The Tardeo RTO collects the following road taxes based on the vehicle type:

• Lifetime Road Tax: For personal automobiles, the fee is paid during registration.
• Annual Road Tax: Commercial vehicles are charged annually based on their size and use.

5. Fitness Certificate for Vehicles

Commercial vehicles must obtain a vehicle fitness certificate to ensure roadworthiness. The RTO offers:

• Issuance and Renewal of Fitness Certificate: These certificates are issued after a thorough inspection and are valid for a limited period, depending on the vehicle type.

6. Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

It is mandatory for vehicles to have a valid PUC certificate to meet emission standards:

• Issuance of PUC: Issued after a vehicle passes an emission test, ensuring it adheres to environmental regulations.

7. No Objection Certificate (NOC)

The RTO provides NOC for vehicle owners looking to transfer their vehicle to another state or RTO jurisdiction:

• Transfer to Another State: NOCs are essential for legally registering vehicles in a new state.
• Inter-RTO Transfer: Required when moving a vehicle to a different RTO jurisdiction within the same state.

8. Hypothecation Services

For vehicles bought on loan, the RTO handles hypothecation related services:

• Addition of Hypothecation: The financier’s details are recorded in the RC when a vehicle is financed.
• Removal of Hypothecation: After the loan is repaid, the financier’s details can be removed from the RC.

9. Enforcement and Road Safety Measures

The RTO enforces road safety laws and conducts:

• Enforcement of Traffic Laws: Monitoring and penalising violations such as overspeeding, drunken driving, etc.
• Road Safety Awareness Programs: The RTO conducts awareness initiatives to educate the public about traffic rules and safe driving practices.

The Tardeo RTO provides services that guarantee effective transportation, vehicle regulation, and road safety management in the region.

The Tardeo RTO provides a range of driving licences to suit different vehicle types:

1. Two-Wheeler Driving Licence

The RTO licenses all two-wheeled vehicles, from gearless to geared bikes. The first step for applicants is to pass a modest examination comprising elements of some basic traffic regulations to get a learner’s licence. After obtaining a learner’s permit, a rider must also take an actual riding test to be issued full driving privileges. 

2. Driving Licence for Light Motor Vehicles or LMVs

This license covers private vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and light commercial vehicles. Eligible learners who meet the age requirement and hold a learner's license are required to take a driving test to qualify for a permanent license. These licenses can also be renewed and upgraded through the RTO as needed.

3. Licence for Heavy Commercial Vehicles

Special licences are necessary for operating heavy vehicles like trucks and buses. The Tardeo RTO requires applicants to meet specific age, experience, and skill criteria, which are assessed through rigorous driving tests before issuing this licence.

The Tardeo RTO handles two types of vehicle registrations, which are as follows:

1. Permanent Licence

Under this service, both private and commercial vehicles may be registered, and a Registration Certificate (RC) will be issued. The RC is valid for 15 years for private vehicles and 2 years for commercial vehicles. Permanent registration is a must to use any means of transportation on public highways.

2. Temporary Licence

Temporary registration is issued by the dealer or RTO and is valid for one month. Within this time frame, the vehicle owner is obligated to file for permanent registration. Such registration permits the vehicle to be driven under law until permanent registration is completed.

The Tardeo RTO strictly adheres to Maharashtra's traffic regulations, with fines based on the Motor Vehicles Act 2019 to discourage unsafe driving and improve road safety. Here are the fines for common traffic violations:

• Driving Without a Seatbelt: ₹1,000
• Carrying Excess Luggage: First offence: ₹500 | Repeat offence: ₹1,500
• Triple Riding on Two-wheeler: ₹1,000
• Driving Without a Number Plate: First offence: ₹500 | Repeat offence: ₹1,500
• Driving Without Helmet: ₹1,000
• Minor Driving Vehicle: ₹25,000
• Parking in No-parking Zone: First offence: ₹500 | Repeat offence: ₹1,500
• Dangerous/Rash Driving: First offence: ₹5,000 | Repeat offence: ₹10,000
• Disobeying Traffic Signals: First offence: ₹5,000 | Repeat offence: ₹10,000
• Drunk Driving: ₹10,000
• Carrying Explosive/Inflammable Substances: ₹10,000
• Driving Without a Valid Driving Licence: ₹5,000

Yes, motor insurance is mandatory for all drivers in Tardeo. It covers all the financial issues that will help you cover yourself in case of accidents and help avoid penalties. Driving without valid insurance can lead to a ₹2,000 fine and up to 3 months’ imprisonment. 

To register your vehicle at Tardeo RTO, you’ll need the following documents:

• Form 20: Application for new vehicle registration
• Photographs: Three passport-sized photos of the owner
• Sales Certificate: Proof of purchase from the seller
• Proof of Identity: PAN card, passport, Aadhaar, voter ID, or driver’s licence
• Proof of Address: Document verifying the owner’s residence
• Form 34: Loan details if the vehicle is financed
• PUC Certificate: Proof of Pollution Under Control compliance
• Insurance Certificate: Provided by the dealer
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): If registering the vehicle in a different state
• Custom Bills: Required for registering imported vehicles

The Mumbai police have taken measures against unauthorised tampering with auto-rickshaw meter devices. On October 25, 2024, the Mumbai Traffic Police launched an awareness video aimed at the general population, informing them about measures they can take to detect tampered auto-rickshaw meters. 

The police shared contact information for reporting such cases to the local RTO helplines and assured strict measures against violators, including permit cancellations and vehicle seizures. 

As part of the Tardeo RTO Office’s campaign for road safety, a cycle rally was held on February 4, 2024, directed at the citizens of South Mumbai to encourage safe practices while commuting in an environmentally friendly manner. 

Beginning from the Vehicle Inspection Centre, the cycle rally was successfully attended by participants, who then proceeded to the Tardeo RTO Office. Deputy Regional Transport Officer Hemangini Patil spearheaded the initiative, along with Assistant Dy. RTO Gajanan Gawande spoke on the safe use of the roads and safe driving practices.

In addition to the rally, the Tardeo RTO has committed to ongoing community initiatives like public meetings, health camps, and creative projects to spread awareness. Participants received certificates and road-safety-themed T-shirts, symbolising the office’s dedication to building a safer road environment.