The Capital of India, New Delhi, sees an influx of lakhs of vehicles on its roads every day. Have you ever wondered who registers the vehicles? What authority is responsible for issuing the driver's licences? 

The RTO offices, or Road Transport Offices in Delhi, are responsible for maintaining and administrating the city's transport system. They ensure Delhi’s roads are safe and orderly for the city's 20 million population. The RTO is responsible for everything from vehicle registration to road policy implementation.

In this article, we will examine the services offered by RTO Delhi, their office locations, and the coordination and maintenance process of different automobiles.

The services offered by RTO offices in Delhi are as follows:

1. Driving Licence

One can apply for a driver's licence, learner's licence, renewal of driving license, duplicate licence, etc., through the Regional Transport Office. The RTO is responsible for conducting driving tests to assess the applicant’s driving skills and knowledge of traffic rules. These tests may include both theoretical and practical examinations.

In addition, the RTO allows updates to personal information on the driving license, such as name or address changes. If a person is found to violate or not comply with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, or other traffic laws, the RTO can also suspend or revoke their license.

2. Vehicle Registration Services

The Delhi RTO offices provide Vehicle registration services such as:

• Transfer of Ownership

To change the registered owner of a vehicle, the current owner must fill out Form 29 and Form 30 and take them to the R.T.O. (Regional Transport Office) along with the original Registration Certificate (R.C.), valid insurance, and a No Objection Certificate (N.O.C.) from the bank if there’s a loan. 

• Change of Address in R.C.

In case of a change of address, one should submit Form 33 to the R.TO. along with the proof of new address and update the vehicle’s R.C. While submitting this form, one will also need to provide the original R.C., insurance certificate, and P.UC. certificate. 

• Issue of Duplicate R.C

If the original R.C. is lost, stolen, or damaged, one can apply for a duplicate R.C. through R.T.O. For this, you must fill out Form 26, along with an F.I.R (If R.C. was stolen), an affidavit stating circumstances of loss, proof of identity, address and fees as mentioned. 

3. Hypothecation Termination

Hypothecation termination removes the lender’s name from the R.C. after the vehicle loan has been paid off. For this, one needs to submit Form 35 to the R.T.O Delhi. The documents required are the original R.C., a No Objection Certificate from the lender about the loan repayment, and the stated fees. Along with this, proof of identity and address is also required.

• Hypothecation Addition & Continuation

Hypothecation addition is the addition of a financial institution as a hypothecatee. Hypothecation Continuation is the continuation of the existing hypothecation status from one lender to another.

• No Objection Certificate

When you transfer your vehicle’s registration from one state to another, an N.O.C. is required. Fill the Form no. 28 to R.T.O. Delhi, along with original R.C., valid insurance, P.UC. certificate, and tax payment proof.

• R.C. Particulars

R.C. particulars consist of all the information about a vehicle, including the vehicle registration number, chassis number, engine number, make and model, fuel type, seating capacity, and owner's details. The R.C. particulars copy can be applied for through R.T.O’s online services.

4. Renewal of Home Authorisation

You can operate a commercial vehicle in any state other than its registered state through home authorisation. If Delhi is your home state R.T.O, apply to the Delhi R.T.O office for home authorisation renewal before it expires. For this, the original permit, R.C., valid insurance, tax receipts for all relevant states, and renewal fees are to be submitted. 

In some cases, the route details and justification for commercial operations in other states may need to be provided.

5. Permit Services

A permit is necessary to operate a commercial vehicle. You can easily apply for, renew, terminate, duplicate, or surrender permits through the Delhi R.T.O. The necessary documents include proof of ownership, address, valid insurance, etc. A fee may be applicable for this service.

6. Vehicle Fitness Services

The Vehicle fitness services provided by the RTO in Delhi Include:

• Renewal of fitness certificate
• Duplicate fitness certificate
• Fitness for NOC/Conversion

Different types of driving licence issued under RTO Delhi are as follows:

• Temporary Driving Licence
• Permanent Driving Licence
• International Driving Permit

The different types of vehicle registrations offered under RTO Delhi are:

1. Temporary Registration

Issued for a short duration (usually 30 days) to allow new vehicle owners to use their vehicles before obtaining permanent registration. This is often used when a vehicle is purchased but has yet to be registered.

With temporary registration, a sticker or temporary registration number is given to a vehicle before the permanent registration number. Temporary registration is a short-term solution until permanent registration is obtained.

2. Permanent Registration

Permanent registration is the standard vehicle registration that provides a unique registration number for the vehicle's lifetime as long as the owner complies with renewal requirements. 

Every permanently registered vehicle receives a distinct registration number which can identify and track the vehicle. This number is displayed on the vehicle’s license plate.

After the registration process is complete, every vehicle is provided with a number plate. It is a penalised offence to drive without a number in any part of India. RTOs issue several types of number plates. The different types of number plates issued by the Delhi RTO are as follows: 

• Red Number Plate

• Blue Number Plate

• Yellow Number Plate 

• White Number Plate

• Green Number Plate

• Black Number Plate 

• Red Number Plate with the Indian Emblem

• Number Plate with an arrow pointing upwards

Charges for vehicle registration under RTO Delhi are as follows:

• Charges for Registration: ₹600 for all the vehicles
• Charges for Hypothecation: ₹1,500 for vehicles purchased on loan
• Charges for Issuing Number Plates: ₹230 to ₹400; charges are the same for High-Security Registration Plates or HSRP number plates 
• Charges for Temporary Registration: ₹1,500 to ₹2,500; temporary registration of vehicles is valid only for a month

The road tax charges are calculated separately for two-wheelers, four-wheelers, commercial vehicles and goods-carrying vehicles. The road tax charges in Delhi are as follows:

• Charges for Two-Wheelers: ₹650 to ₹1990 annually 

• Charges for Four-Wheelers: ₹3815 to ₹ 11590 annually 

Motorcars above 2000 kg, are liable to pay an extra charge of ₹2000. 

• Charges for Commercial Vehicles: ₹305 to ₹1915 annually

For vehicles with a passenger capacity of more than 18 people excluding the driver and conductor, ₹280 is charged for every additional passenger. 

• Charges for Goods-Carrying Vehicles: ₹665 to ₹3790

Vehicles exceeding the weight of 10 tonnes are liable to pay an additional amount of ₹470

The road tax is calculated on the basis of vehicle type, fuel type, price, age, purpose, weight, engine capacity, and passenger capacity of the vehicle. As every state has its own State Motor Vehicle Act, they impose Motor Vehicle Tax according to this. 

Every individual owning a vehicle is liable to pay tax at the time of issuing a vehicle registration and thereafter under section 3 of the Delhi Motor Vehicle Taxation Act 1962. 

Besides, the transportation system of Delhi highly depends on roads. Delhi has India's one of the highest densities of road network with a length of 1749 kilometres of road per 100 sq. km. 

Therefore, it demands more cost for maintenance and monitoring resulting in higher amounts of road taxes than other states.

The Indian government permits every citizen to check the details of a vehicle and its owner from the Parivahan website. However, you can use Digit's website and application to find vehicle owner details by registration number even faster. You can access the details of a vehicle owned by simply adding the registration number of the vehicle.

Here is a list of the certain sets of rules one should keep in mind while driving. These are to ensure road safety and the smooth movement of traffic.

Rules for Two-Wheeler Riders in Delhi

• Helmet Requirement: Always wear a helmet while riding, including for pillion passengers.
• Passenger Limit: Only two people are allowed on a two-wheeler, including the rider.
• Safe Driving: Avoid rash driving and speeding, as they can result in serious accidents.
• Document Compliance: Always carry physical or digital copies of your vehicle and driver-related documents.
• Lane Discipline: Follow lane rules and avoid zig-zag riding on the roads.

Rules for Four-Wheeler Drivers in Delhi

• Seatbelt Use: Ensure you wear a seatbelt at all times while driving.
• No Intoxication: Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Document Compliance: Carry both physical and digital copies of your vehicle and driving documents while on the road.
• Mobile Phone Use: Do not use your mobile phone while driving to prevent accidents.
• Parking Regulations: Avoid parking in no-parking zones throughout Delhi.
• Signal Compliance: Adhere to traffic signals, especially red lights, and maintain lane discipline for safety

Yes, it is mandatory to have vehicle insurance while driving in Delhi. Not having active vehicle insurance will make the vehicle owners subject to penalties. 

The penalty for a first-time offence is ₹2000 whereas repeating the offence will increase the penalty to ₹4000. 

The important documents required for registering your vehicle in RTO offices in Delhi are as follows:

1. Form 20 (Application to Register a New Vehicle)

This is the official form to register when you get a new vehicle. It includes details of the vehicle, owner, etc.

2. Sales Certificate (Form 21)

The dealer provides Form 21 to ensure that the vehicle is purchased legally.

3. Roadworthiness Certificate (Form 22)

This certificate is provided by the vehicle’s manufacturer to ensure that the specific vehicle is fit to be on the road with no complications.

4. Insurance Certificate

Vehicle insurance is mandatory at the time of purchase. This certificate also includes third-party insurance as it is compulsory by the Indian Government.

5. Temporary Registration Certificate

If the dealer is assigned a temporary registration number, this certificate is also required.

6. Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC)

Pollution Under Control Certificate showcases that the vehicle is compliant with emission standards and roadworthy without excessive pollution.

7. Receipt from the Dealer

The invoice record is also significant for the dealer, proving the price and other details.

8. Road Tax Payment Receipt

Road tax is usually paid at the beginning of the purchase process. Therefore, a record of its payment is also significant.

9. Identity Proof

Identity proof is also required. ID proof, such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Driving Licence, and Passport works.

10. Passport-Size Photograph

A passport-size picture of the vehicle owner is also important.

11. Bank NOC

If the vehicle is purchased via a loan, then an NOC issued by the bank is necessary.

When it comes to driving cars in Delhi, car insurance is essential. It protects an insurance holder against the expenses and liabilities of unfortunate car damage due to accidents. Therefore, being the city with the highest number of fatal accidents in the nation, one must get a car insurance policy beforehand. 

A few of the advantages of issuing a car insurance policy include:

• Personal Accident Cover: It provides coverage for the death or disability due to an accident. Personal Accident Cover only applies to the vehicle owner.

• Third-Party Liabilities: These cover expenses and liabilities due to damages to the third party.

• Larger Network of Garages: A renowned car insurance policy has a large network of garages to repair your car. The service provider will also manage the expenses of the garage.

• No Claim Bonus: One can only avail an NCB if that individual has not claimed anything throughout the year. The amount is reduced from the premium.

In 2021, the Delhi transport department introduced faceless services with e-sign facilities as well as biometrics-based authentication. This was done in order to provide users with the ease to avail the services of the RTO from the comfort of their homes. The faceless services provided by RTO Delhi are as follows:

• Issuing No Objection Certificates or NOCs

• Transferring ownership

• Issuing duplicate registration certificate

• Adding hypothecation

• Terminating hypothecation 

• Continuing hypothecation

• Changing of address in registration certificates

• Registration certificate particulars

• Retention of registration number 

• Renewing permits

• Transferring permits

• Transferring permits in case of death

• Issuing fresh permits

• Surrendering permits

• Issuing duplicate permits

• Renewing home authorization 

A few recent traffic events that occurred in Delhi:

• On Diwali eve, there was a lot of traffic congestion in areas like Dwarka, Akshardham, Lado-Sarai-Mehrauli route, and Delhi-Meerut Expressway due to market shops.

• The Delhi Traffic Police announced special traffic rules for Rashtriya Ekta Diwas and Run for Unity (both the events were on October 29, 2024). The traffic was restricted around the India Gate and C-Hexagon from 6:45 am till the end of the day.

In September 2024, the Delhi Police launched a creative awareness campaign inspired by the social media, named ‘Pookie or Dukhi’. The word ‘Pookie’ means sweetheart and the Delhi Police’s message read: ‘You are someone’s Pookie. Forget excuses. Wear helmet, if you don’t want someone to be Dukhi.’