Tamil Nadu Regional Transport Office - Tamil Nadu RTO List, Services & Registration Charges

The Regional Transport Office (RTO) of Tamil Nadu plays a pivotal role in regulating and managing vehicle registration and licensing across the state. With over 72 million people and over 33 million registered vehicles, the Tamil Nadu RTO oversees a vast and complex transportation network.

This comprehensive guide will provide extensive details on all key aspects of the Tamil Nadu RTO including:

Overview of Tamil Nadu RTO

The Tamil Nadu RTO functions as part of the state's Transport Department to implement the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 and related regulations. It carries out several critical responsibilities:

• Registration of new vehicles and subsequent transfers

• Renewal and termination of vehicle registration

• Issuance of high-security registration number plates

• Allotment of registration marks (numbers) to vehicles

• Issuance and renewal of driving licenses

• Issuance of learner's permits and conductor's licenses

• Regulation of vehicle fitness through testing and inspection

• Collection of road taxes and fees as per schedules

• Granting national and inter-state permits for goods/public carriers

• Regulation of transportation of hazardous materials

• Implementation of motor vehicle emissions standards

• Promoting road safety through campaigns and advocacy

The RTO has over 90 offices across all 32 districts and sub-divisions of Tamil Nadu. This facilitates access to RTO services across the length and breadth of the state. Vehicle owners can also access many online RTO services through the Transport Department's Parivahan portal 

and mobile apps.

Organizational Structure

Every day, the RTO offices all over Tamil Nadu are run by Deputy Regional Transport Officers (DRTOs) and Regional Transport Officers (RTOs).

Motor vehicle inspectors (MVIs), office assistants, data entry operators, and testing and inspection drives are all part of the RTO's service to drivers and vehicle owners.

The Regional Transport Authority headed by the Collector coordinates activities of all RTO offices within each district. The Senior Most RTO represents the region in the State Transport Authority chaired by the Transport Commissioner to advise the Transport Department on policies and reforms required to improve transportation systems.

Objectives of Tamil Nadu RTO

The RTO in Tamil Nadu has several key objectives it strives to achieve:

• Effective administration and enforcement of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989

• Smooth facilitation of vehicle registrations and issuance of high-security number plates

• Ensuring roadworthiness and emission compliance of vehicles through rigorous fitness inspections

• Systematic testing and transparent issuance of learner's permits and driving licenses

• Regulation and control over permits for commercial goods and passenger carriers

• Facilitation of legal inter-state transport of goods and passengers

• Promotion of road safety awareness among vehicle owners and drivers

• Upkeep and maintenance of accurate records of vehicles, licenses and permits

• Collection and reconciliation of motor vehicle revenues

By fulfilling these objectives, the RTO plays a vital role in keeping vehicles and drivers compliant with regulations through periodic checks. It also enforces safety and emission norms in the larger interests of the general public.

Contact Details of Regional Transport Offices in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has over 90 RTO offices mapped to each district, sub-division and major city. Here is the detailed list of all the RTO codes and offices in Tamil Nadu:

Key Services Offered by Tamil Nadu RTO

The Regional Transport Offices across Tamil Nadu provide a wide range of services to vehicle owners, drivers and other stakeholders in the transportation ecosystem:

Vehicle Registration and Certification

• Fresh registration - For newly purchased vehicles

• Temporary registration - For vehicles brought from other states

• Renewal of registration - Upon expiry of the 15-year validity period

• Duplicate RC book - In case of loss or damage of original

• Transfer of ownership - Upon sale of vehicle to another party

• Change of address in RC book

• Termination of vehicle loan hypothecation

• Alteration of vehicle - Approval for modifications

• issuing Certificates of Fitness - Upon passing fitness inspection

• Vehicle scrapping and deregistration - For end-of-life vehicles

• Trade certificate registration - For dealers buying and selling vehicles

Driving Licenses and Permits

• Learner's license - For novice drivers

• Permanent driving license - Valid for 20 years

• Driving license renewal upon expiry

• Duplicate driving license in case of loss or damage

• Additional vehicle class authorization

• Conductor license - For public bus drivers

• Change of address/name in license

• Temporary permits - For learners

• International driving permit - For driving overseas

• Driver training authorization - For driving schools

Permits and Clearances for Transport Vehicles

• Stage Carriage permits - For buses plying on approved routes

• Contract Carriage permits - For private charter buses

• Private Service Vehicle permits - For company transport

• National permits - For inter-state cargo movement

• Goods Carriage permits - For goods transport vehicles

• Temporary permits - For trips to other states

• Tourist Vehicle permits - For tourist buses/cabs

• Taxi permits - For registered taxis

• Max weight clearance - For overloaded consignments

• NOC for vehicle transfers - No objection certificate

Other Services

• Collection of motor vehicle taxes

• Collection of fees for services

• Vehicle fitness testing and inspection

• Trade Certificate registration - For dealers

• Records maintenance and information services

• Pollution under Control Certificates

• Authorization of automated testing centers

• Setting up Inspection & Certification centers

• Advisories on enforcement of regulations

Charges and Fees for RTO Services in Tamil Nadu

The RTO levies a rational fee structure for services provided to vehicle owners and drivers. Here are some of the key charges applicable:

• Learner license: Rs 100 for 3 years

• Permanent DL: Rs 400 for 20 years validity

• DL renewal: Rs 500 for 5 years

• Duplicate DL: Rs 200

• Registration fee: Rs 300 (two-wheelers), Rs 600 (four-wheelers)

• Temporary registration: Rs 300 valid for 1 month

• RC renewal: Rs 600 for 5 years

• RC particulars change: Rs 300

• Duplicate RC: Rs 100

• NOC: Rs 20

• Fitness certification: Rs 100 per 2 years

• Permit charges: Vary based on vehicle type, capacity, duration

• Transfer ownership charge: Rs 50

• Vehicle scrapping charges: As applicable

• Penalty for delays: Rs 300 per year

Process for Vehicle Registration in Tamil Nadu RTO

Follow these steps to register your new or old vehicle with the Tamil Nadu RTO:

Step 1) Obtain Application for Registration Form 20 Form 20 is the application form for vehicle registration which captures details like:

• Category (transport, personal)

• Fuel type

• Vehicle manufacturer and model

• Engine and chassis numbers

• Vehicle invoice value

• Vehicle Insurance details

• Vehicle purchase details It is available online or at RTO offices across Tamil Nadu.

Step 2) Fill Application Form 20 with Accurate Vehicle and Owner Details Provide details like correct chassis/engine numbers, vehicle invoice issuer, engine power etc. accurately to avoid problems later. Enter the 17-character VIN accurately as engraved on the chassis.

Step 3) Submit Filled Form 20 Along With Supporting Documents Some key documents required along with Form 20 include:

• PAN Card copy

• ID and address proof

• Vehicle invoice from the dealer/seller

• Valid insurance certificate

• Road-worthiness certificate from an authorized RTO dealer

Emission test certificate from approved centre

Step 4) Pay Applicable Registration Fees and Taxes Visit RTO to pay fees and taxes including:

• Registration fees

• Road/goods tax

• Fee for temporary registration number

• Fee for trade certificate if buying from dealer Taxes are calculated based on vehicle invoice value, category, fuel type etc.

Step 5) Get Vehicle Physically Inspected at RTO Premises On the allotted date, take the vehicle to the RTO for inspection. The RTO inspector will:

• Verify chassis/engine numbers

• Check critical functional and safety components

• Look for any unauthorized modifications or manipulations

• Assign chassis/engine numbers if not engraved

Step 6) Collect Registration Certificate (RC Book) If all documents are in order and inspection is satisfactory, you will receive the RC book with registration number within 1-2 weeks through post or collection at the RTO office.

Step 7) Get High-Security Number Plates Installed RC books must be accompanied by government-approved high-security plates with registration number as per design, color and dimension regulations.

Role of Motor Vehicle Inspectors in Tamil Nadu RTO

Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVIs) play a crucial role in the functioning of Tamil Nadu RTOs. They have the following key responsibilities:

• Overseeing vehicle fitness inspections at authorized testing centers

• Conducting on-road checks of vehicles for compliance

• Physically verifying stenciled chassis/engine numbers during registration

• Certifying new registrations after vehicle inspection

• Issuing fitness certificates, Pollution Under Control Certificates

• Evaluating applications for vehicle modifications

• Inspecting vehicles involved in serious accidents

• Detecting cases of unauthorized vehicle alterations

• Facilitating issuance of transport permits for commercial vehicles

• Supporting enforcement drives against overloaded goods carriers

MVIs need to constantly update technical knowledge through training on latest vehicle technologies, inspection procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions on Tamil Nadu Regional Transport Office

FAQs

Q: How many RTO offices are present in Tamil Nadu?

A: Tamil Nadu has over 90 regional and sub-regional RTO offices spread across all its 32 districts.

Q: What documents do I need when transferring ownership of my car in Tamil Nadu?

A: You need the original RC book, insurance papers, NOC from financier, signed transfer forms, address proof, transfer fee payment receipt and signatures of both parties on Forms 29 and 30.

Q: What is the penalty for driving in Tamil Nadu with an expired vehicle registration?

A: Driving a vehicle in Tamil Nadu without renewing its expired registration can attract a minimum penalty between ₹2000 - ₹5000. The vehicle may also be impounded.

Q: How do I get a duplicate registration certificate (RC) if the original is lost?

A: You can obtain a duplicate RC book in Tamil Nadu by submitting an FIR copy of the document loss along with prescribed fees to the RTO. The fees for a duplicate RC is ₹100.

Q: What is the maximum validity period of a permanent driving license issued in Tamil Nadu?

A: Like other states, the permanent driving licenses issued by Tamil Nadu RTO are uniformly valid for 20 years from the date of issue before requiring renewal.

Q: Is PUC certificate mandatory during renewal of old vehicles in Tamil Nadu?

A: Yes, a valid PUC certificate from an authorized test center is mandatory across Tamil Nadu for renewing the fitness certificates of old vehicles due for registration.

Q: How can I check if a vehicle is registered in Tamil Nadu?

A: You can instantly check Tamil Nadu registration details of any vehicle using its registration number on the Parivahan portal, Vahan database or mParivahan app.

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