Jaipur, also known as the Pink City of India, is very popular among tourists worldwide. It is a very amicable residential location as well. It is located on National Highway 48, which establishes a direct connection with Mumbai and Delhi. Several other roadway links exist between Jaipur and different parts of the country. 

Hence, transportation is an important aspect of this city. The transport department, which consists of 6 RTO offices with codes RJ-45, RJ-52, RJ-14, RJ-47, RJ-41 and RJ-32, respectively, looks after road safety and management in Jaipur.

Jaipur has numerous Regional Transport Offices (RTO) that facilitate a comprehensive range of services required for the city's effective vehicular and transportation services. Below is an in-depth look at the key services provided by the RTOs in Jaipur:

1. Vehicle Registration

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

• New Vehicle Registration:

In simple terms, any vehicle, whether for private or commercial use, must be registered with the RTO. On registration, a unique Registration Certificate (RC) is issued, effective for 15 years for private vehicles and 2 Years for commercial automobiles. 

• Required Documents:

Receipt or sale invoice, insurance documents, residential proof, identification proof, and a PUC certificate.

• Temporary and Permanent Registration:

Dealers normally present temporary registrations for new cars, allowing only one month of use. During this period, one must be registered permanently.

• Transfer of Ownership:

In a used vehicle, there is the legal title to transfer the car from the previous owner to the new one while transacting in it. The RTO also changes the RC to accommodate this change.

• Renewal of Registration:

After the initial registration, the vehicle requires a renewed RC, which takes 15 years for private cars.

2. Driving Licences

The RTO issues various types of driving licenses:

• Learner's Licence:

This is the initial step in acquiring a driving licence after one has undergone a test on traffic signs and signals.

• Permanent Driving Licence:

After one month of holding a learner licence, a person can appear for a practical test at the RTO and get a Continental license.

• Renewal of Driving Licence:

Driver’s licences must be renewed when they expire after 20 years or when the holder is 50 and above.

• International Driving Permit (IDP):

The RTO provides IDPs to people intending to drive in other countries. These permits are valid for one year and are recognized in many countries.

• Duplicate Driving Licence:

If the driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged and the license holder reports to the RTO and submits requisite papers, a duplicate license is issued to him.

• Licence Endorsements and Upgrades:

Candidates who seek an upgrade to the new license and want to add a new class of vehicle, such as a private or commercial one, can also obtain that at the RTO.

3. Vehicle Permits

The RTO manages the issuance of permits for commercial vehicles:

• Commercial Vehicle Permits:

Permits are required for the lawful operation of taxis, buses, trucks, and other commercial automobiles. These permits can be local, state, or interstate, as discussed below.

• Temporary and National Permits:

Special permits enable the vehicle to operate for a short time or on certain occasions, and national permits are issued for operations across state lines.

4. Road Tax Collection

The RTO collects road tax during vehicle registration and renewal:

• Lifetime Road Tax:

About private cars, road taxes are paid for life at the time of registration and are determined by the type and cost of the vehicle.

• Annual Road Tax:

Holders of commercial vehicles are required to pay a road tax yearly, which is determined by the kind of commercial vehicle being used and its size.

5. Fitness Certificate for Vehicles

The commercial vehicles are subjected to fitness tests to determine their roadworthiness. The RTO handles the following services related to vehicle fitness certificate:

• Issuance of Fitness Certificate:

Fitness certificates issued to commercial vehicles and renewed after passing safety inspections annually must be renewed yearly.

• Renewal of Fitness Certificate:

Fitness certificates, depending on the vehicle's usage and type, are usually issued for a limited period and must be renewed later.

6. Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC)

Vehicles must meet emission standards, and the RTO issues PUC certificates:

• Issuance of PUC:

Passenger cars are allowed on the road after passing an emission test, providing PUC certificates with an emission rate that ranges from 6 months to 1 year.

• PUC Verification:

The RTO often checks vehicles to ascertain that they possess valid PUC certificates.

7. NOCs

The RTO grants No Objection Certificates (NOC) when vehicle owners wish to transfer their vehicles to another state or RTO jurisdiction:

• Transfer of Vehicle to Another State:

This is because NOC is needed to permanently transfer a vehicle from one state to another to be registered in the new state without problems.

• Inter-RTO Transfer:

Any vehicle movement within Rajasthan but to a different RTO region will also require an NOC.

8. Hypothecation Services

For vehicles purchased through loans, the RTO manages hypothecation services:

• Addition of Hypothecation:

When the vehicle is purchased through a loan, the financier’s name is either in the RC.

• Removal of Hypothecation:

After the loan has been fully paid, the RTO deletes the financier’s name from the RC.

9. Legal sanctions and Road Safety Functions

The RTO plays a crucial role in enforcing traffic laws and promoting road safety:

• Enforcement of Traffic Laws:

The RTO can also legally punish traffic offenders, mainly over-speeding and drunk driving.

• Road Safety Awareness Programs:

However, while the RTA implements the traffic rules and regulations, the RTO, in consultation with other government agencies, is involved in public sensitization on road safety that ensures members of the public are informed of the traffic laws and any changes that have been made.

Various types of driving license issued under RTO Jaipur are as follows:

• Learner’s Licence 

• Permanent Licence 

• Commercial Licence

The RTO offices in Jaipur are responsible for registering all types of vehicles and issuing Vehicle Registration Certificates (RCs). This process is essential for ensuring a person acquires the desired number plate.

1. Temporary Registration

It is a number plate given to a vehicle pending its issuance with a permanent one. The dealer normally gives this plate any time a car is sold, enabling the owner to use the car between getting temporary registration.

Key Points:

• Validity: Temporary registration is normally for one month from when it is issued to applicants or users.
• Purpose: It allows the owner to use the car legally while waiting for a permanent registration.
• Issuing Authority: The vehicle dealer usually offers this, but it can also be sought from the RTO.

If the permanent registration is not undertaken before the expiration of the validity of the temporary registration, then an application can be made to the RTO. Though it is rare, it is often given under certain circumstances. This is normally provided for some time and under certain conditions.

2. Permanent Registration

It is required for every vehicle in India, and its duration is 15 years for personal vehicles and 2 years for commercial vehicles. Any vehicle can only be used on the road once it has acquired permanent registration.

Key Points:

• Application Timeline: The application for permanent registration must be made within the validity period of the temporary registration.
• Registration Certificate (RC): After permanently registering the vehicle, it is provided with a permanent registration code or RC; the holder of this RC must be the vehicle's driver at all times.
• Validity: The RC for private vehicles is issued for 15 years, while the RC for personal use is 5 years. For commercial vehicles, the RC is valid for 2 years, and this, in turn, has to be renewed frequently.

Compulsory registration is for permanent registration; penalties or fines are imposed if the vehicle is not registered within the required time.

The RTO offices in Jaipur issue several types of number plates to classify different categories of vehicle registration. Below are the types of number plates issued in Jaipur:

• Blue Number Plate
• White Number Plate
• Red Number Plate
• Number Plate with an Upward Arrow
• Yellow Number Plate
• Green Number Plate
• Red Number Plate with the Emblem of India
• Vehicle Registration Charges in Jaipur

RTO Jaipur collects road tax from vehicles per the Rajasthan road tax structure. Road tax charges levied by RTO Jaipur are as follows:

For Two-Wheelers

• Engine Capacity up to 125 cc: 4% on the cost of the vehicle.
• Engine Capacity Between 125 cc to 500 cc: 6% on the cost of the vehicle.
• Engine Capacity Between 200 cc to 500 cc: 8% on the cost of the vehicle.
• Engine Capacity of Over 500 cc: 10% on the cost of the vehicle.

For Four-Wheelers

• Costing ₹3 Lakhs or less: 4% on the cost of the vehicle.
• Between ₹3 Lakhs to ₹6 Lakhs: 6% on the cost of the vehicle.
• Above ₹6 Lakhs: 8% on the cost of the vehicle.

Yes, it is mandatory to have vehicle insurance while driving in Jaipur. Driving any vehicle without proper insurance will make the vehicle owner subject to penalties. The penalty for driving without insurance is ₹2000, whereas repeating the offence will increase the penalty to ₹4000.

While registering a new or used vehicle at the Regional Transport Office in Jaipur, one must submit the following documents. They assist in establishing the authenticity of the vehicle and its owner.

Below is a comprehensive list of documents required for vehicle registration:

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

This is the official form you must complete to register your vehicle. It contains information about the vehicle, its owner, and other relevant information. 

2. Sale Certificate (Form 21)

The vehicle dealer issues this certificate to ensure the vehicle was legally bought. It contains information about the date of purchase, the buyer, and the seller.

3. Roadworthiness Certificate (Form 22)

This is a legal certificate given by the vehicle manufacturer to certify that the vehicle is fit to be driven on the roads and complies with the stipulations of the Law of the Motor Vehicles. 

4. Vehicle Insurance Certificate

A vehicle insurance policy is compulsory at the time of registration. The law stipulates that it must at least include third-party risks. Comprehensive insurance can also be provided. 

5. Temporary Registration Certificate (if applicable)

If the dealer has already assigned the vehicle a temporary registration number, this must be included in the application for permanent registration. 

6. Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

A pollution under control (PUC) certificate is a document that confirms that the vehicles are compliant with emission standards and are roadworthy without emitting excessive pollutants. 

7. Invoice from the Dealer

An original purchase invoice from the dealer is necessary to prove the price and other features of the purchased vehicle. 

8. Road Tax Payment Receipt

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

9. Proof of Identity

One of the following documents can be submitted as proof of identity: 

• Aadhaar card 
• Voter ID card 
• PAN card 
• Passport 
• Driving licence  

10. Proof of the Address of the Vehicle's Owner

You must submit proof of your residential address in Jaipur. Acceptable documents include: 

• Aadhaar card 
• Voter ID card 
• Passport 
• Utility bills (electricity, water, gas) which the owner pays 
• Lease contract (if renting a residence) 

11. Customs Clearance Certificate (for imported Vehicles)

If the vehicle is imported, it is necessary to have a customs clearance certificate, which indicates that all customs and import procedures have been completed. 

12. PAN Card or Form 60/61

If the vehicle costs more than ₹50,000, you must produce your PAN card details for tax. If you do not have a PAN card, you can attach Form 60/61. 

13. Bank NOC (if financed)

If the vehicle is bought using a loan, one must procure an NOC issued by the bank or any other financer. This document deduces that the financier has no objections to registering the vehicle in the owner’s name.

In October 2024, a driverless car experienced a short circuit and left ablaze in the Sodala region. A flaming car without its driver raced through a busy thoroughfare, causing panic before it hit a divider. Thankfully, there were no reports of injuries. 

Another fatal accident was in January this year at Tod Road near Doi Ki Dhani, where a family of three died in a horrific hit-and-run after a suspected drunk driver ran them over.

These cases are the very reasons that stress the importance of strict implementation of traffic laws.

Due to these emerging road safety issues, Jaipur established numerous programs designed to tackle accidents on the road:

• Rajasthan has become the first state to adopt a Road Safety Action Plan to reduce accidents in the next 10 years by 50%, which is 2030.
• The Muskaan Foundation’s campaign distributed over 1,000 helmets to help students and staff members at approximately 50 schools in Jaipur.

Further, there is a redesign effort by city planners to enhance the quality of the road network, which has been the cause of many accidents. These combined efforts indicate a worry of how to improve road safety within the area of Jaipur.