Howrah is an important city in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is also a district located on the bank of the Hooghly River. Howrah is a critical transportation hub and gateway to enter Kolkata and Eastern India. Thus, many people travel through the location throughout the year. 

There are four RTO offices in Howrah, WB-11, WB-12, WB13, and WB14, to look after traffic management. These RTOs also offer different types of transport-related services to the district's citizens.

Following is a list of the most important functions of RTO offices in Howrah:

• Issues certificate for motor vehicle registration 

• Collects motor vehicle tax 

• Issues and renewal of driving licence

• Conducts vehicle’s mechanical inspection

• Offers all types of motor vehicle permits

• Works toward reducing pollution by issuing PUC Certificates

• Provides NOC for vehicle

• Transfers vehicle ownership

Here is a list of the types of driving licence issued in Howrah RTO:

• Learners’ Licence

• Permanent Driving Licence

• International Driving Licence

• Commercial Driving Licence

There are mainly two types of vehicle registration issued at the RTO offices in Howrah:

• Permanent vehicle registration

• Temporary vehicle registration 

When you apply for vehicle registration at the RTO offices in Howrah, they will provide you with a registration certificate and a number plate. The certificate and the number plate will contain a unique registration number (WB12XXXX) which helps identify the vehicle.

Here is a list of the vehicle registration charges in Howrah:

• Vehicle Registration Charges: ₹600 

• Hypothecation Charges for Cars Purchased on a Loan: ₹1500 

• Number Plate Charges: ₹230 – ₹400 Applies for HSRP Number Plates as well

• State Development Charges: ₹2000–₹4000 depending upon the cars price

• Temporary Vehicle Registration Charges: ₹1200–₹1500 

• FasTag Charges: ₹600

Here is a detailed list of West Bengal road tax applicable in Howrah:

• Motorcycles with an Engine Capacity of up to 80cc: ₹1560

• Motorcycles with an Engine Capacity of up to 170cc: ₹3125

• Motorcycles with an Engine Capacity of up to 250cc: ₹4685

• Motorcycles with an Engine Capacity Higher Than 250 cc: ₹6250

• Four-wheelers with an Engine Capacity of up to 900cc: ₹10550+₹4000 for Air-conditioned Vehicles

• Four-wheelers with an Engine Capacity of up to 1490cc: ₹13900+₹7500 for Air-conditioned Vehicles

• Four-wheelers with an Engine Capacity of up to 2000cc: ₹21800+₹10,000 for Air-conditioned Vehicles

• Four-wheelers with an Engine Capacity of up to 2500cc: ₹28000+₹12500 for Air-conditioned Vehicles

• Four-wheelers with an Engine Capacity Higher Than 2500cc: ₹30000+₹15000 for Air-conditioned Vehicles

• Commercial Vehicles with an Engine Capacity of up to 900cc: ₹11900

• Commercial Vehicles with an Engine Capacity of up to 1490cc: ₹15250

• Commercial Vehicles with an Engine Capacity of up to 2000cc: ₹24500

• Commercial Vehicles with an Engine Capacity of up to 2500cc: ₹30000

• Commercial Vehicles with an Engine Capacity of More Than 2500cc: ₹32000

If you do not follow traffic rules in Howrah, the police will ask you to pay traffic fines for the violations you commit. Here is a list of the most critical traffic fines in West Beh ngal:

• Non-possession of Driving Licences, Registration Certificates, Permits and Insurance: ₹500

• Disobeying Orders of a Police Officer: ₹2000

• Driving Without a Valid Driving Licence: ₹5000

• Overspeeding: ₹1000-₹2000

• Dangerous Driving: ₹5000

• Carrying Extra Load: Court Fine 

• Driving a Vehicle Without a Valid Permit: ₹10000

• Driving Without a Helmet: ₹1000

• Not Wearing Seatbelts: ₹1000

• Using Horns in Silence Zones: ₹1000-₹2000

Yes, it is mandatory to have motor insurance while driving a vehicle in Howrah. The rule is applicable for driving throughout the country. Violation of the rule can lead to hefty traffic fines from the police. Ensure that the insurance covers all the essential charges in case of any incident.

According to a recent report, the iconic Howrah bridge that connects the twin cities of Kolkata and Howrah was closed for 27 nights because of maintenance work. The work was done from 10 pm to 6 am during these 27 nights. One side of the bridge was open for traffic while the renovation was done throughout.