Chiefly known as a tourist spot, Sindhudurg comes under the Konkan division of India, a narrow coastal plain in western Maharashtra. The RTO code for Sindhudurg is MH-07. As per the Motor Vehicles act of 1988, all automobiles in the district are to be registered with the Sindhudurg RTO office. It operates under the authority of the Transport Commissioner of Maharashtra. 

The RTO office in Sindhudurg plays the following roles:

• Vehicle registration and renewal

• Transfer of vehicle ownership

• Issue learner’s permit

• Collect vehicle tax and road tax

• Issue vehicle fitness certificate

• Issue/renew DL

• Issue different types of vehicle permit

• Issue permits for transport vehicles

Sindhudurg RTO is authorised to issue these types of driving licences:

• Learner licence

• LMV, which includes two-wheelers above 50cc and cars

• Gearless two-wheelers below 50cc

• Commercial driving licence

• Add new vehicle class in the licence

Two types of vehicle registration certificates are available in Sindhudurg RTO:

• Temporary Registration

• Permanent Registration

The charges for registering a vehicle differ according to the size and type of the vehicle. Here are the vehicle registration charges in Sindhudurg:

• Temporary Registration: ₹1200 - ₹1500

• Commercial vehicle: ₹1000 - ₹1500

• Personal vehicle: ₹600 - ₹5000 

• Two wheeler: ₹300 - ₹5000

The following Maharashtra road tax structure is followed by the Sindhudurg RTO:

• For two-wheelers: 10% – 12% of the vehicle cost

• For cars under ₹10 lakhs: CNG – 7%, Petrol – 11%, Diesel – 14%

• For cars above ₹10 lakhs and below ₹20 lakhs: Petrol – 12%, Diesel – 14%

• For cars above ₹20 lakhs: Petrol – 13%, Diesel – 20%

Upon violating the traffic rules, the following penalties are applicable in Sindhudurg as per Maharashtra traffic fines: 

• Over speeding/Vehicle racing: ₹5000 for first offence; ₹10000 for every subsequent offence

• Driving without a Licence: ₹5000 or community service

• Traffic light violation: ₹1000 for first offence; ₹2000 - ₹5000 for subsequent offence 

• Incorrect number plate format: ₹1000

Yes, it is mandatory to have motor insurance when driving a vehicle in Sindhudurg. Each vehicle must have at least third-party insurance.The penalty for driving without insurance can range between ₹2000 - ₹4000.

Sindhudurg is one of the most sparsely populated cities in Maharashtra. As it is located in the coastal region, Sindhudurg reports heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. The waterlogged roads cause frequent traffic disruptions in the division. 

As per recent news, the CM of Maharashtra directed to expedite the Konkan expressway construction. The 444 km long coastal road will increase the connectivity of Sindhudurg to the tier I cities of Maharashtra.   

During the holiday season, Sindhudurg attracts tourists from all across the nation. It creates traffic congestion in the area. According to reports, during the new year's time, local police deployed additional forces and set up check posts at strategic locations to regulate traffic and prevent any kind of disruptions.     

In the last 5 years, the local government organised frequent road safety campaigns in Sindhudurg. The campaign is designed to create awareness among the rickshaw pullers, auto drivers and citizens of Sindhudurg. 

As a result, traffic accidents have significantly reduced over time. As per government reports, there has been a 22% reduction in traffic accidents in the Sindhudurg area.