RTO Costs: RTO Charges for New Bike

In Indian households, buying a new car/bike offers a great level of satisfaction and achievement. Almost 50% of the Indian population uses a two-wheeler [1] because it is easy to manage and commute, even in the congested lanes of Indian cities. What people miss out on when calculating overall costs is other expenses involved apart from the purchase price. One such charge is the RTO. RTO charges are compulsory for all vehicle owners as they offer legal permission to operate on Indian roads and control vehicle registration.

Once you buy a new vehicle, it is mandatory to visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for vehicle registration to avoid heavy fines and legal issues. If you get an RTO approval, it would simply mean that you are legally authorized to drive on Indian roads.

Let us learn more about RTO charges for bikes, factors affecting its cost, registration process, and documentation. Further, we will pen down the RTO costs for different states in detail.

What Are The RTO Charges For Registering A Bike?

In India, RTO charges for bikes depend on various factors like state and type of bike. Also, a few other factors, such as locations, category, and market value play an important role in calculating the overall cost. Let us discuss the different costs involved in RTO charges for a new bike in India.

• Application and Documentation: In order to get your bike approved for driving on Indian roads it is essential to get yourself registered with the RTO. The process of applying for documentation and applications might incur some expenses.
• Registration Fees: One also needs to pay for the registration fees, i.e., administrative costs, apart from the road tax. In general, a person needs to pay a minimum amount of INR 300 as the registration fee, but the value may vary depending on your state and type of bike.
• Number Plate and Other Charges: The bike owner’s role isn't limited to only getting registered by paying the administrative cost. One also requires a number plate for their bike which comes as another expense. In some cases, you might need to pay additional charges, such as if you demand a VIP number plate or special characters. Remember, the charges might vary and be applied as per the respective state's regulations.
• Third-Party Insurance: These charges might not be directly associated with RTO charges but having third-party insurance for your bike in India is mandatory. Having third-party insurance will not only offer financial protection against accidental damage or injury caused to a third party but also prevent legal matters. The total premium might vary depending on your bike type and its engine capacity.
• Road Tax: Different states have different road taxes, which are calculated based on various factors. Some states prioritize vehicle cost while a few decide the road tax value based on engine capacity. Keep in mind that the road tax for your bike might vary based on your location, so visit the official RTO website for accurate information.

Factors Affecting RTO Costs for a New Bike

RTO charges for new bikes in India are calculated based on different factors, including:

• Cost of the Bike: RTO officials consider the actual cost as one of the primary factors for calculating the registration charges. The bike value above Rs 1 lakh will surely have a higher registration fee than the one below Rs 50,000. Also, the registration fee for first-hand and second-hand bikes may differ.
• Engine Capacity: Engine capacity is also considered as a key element in influencing the RTO cost. For example, in Delhi, engine capacity is used to conclude the road tax. If your vehicle has a higher engine capacity, chances are high that the calculated RTO fee will be higher.
• State-Specific Taxes: RTO charges for each state are different in India. For example, 1,220 is charged in Delhi for road tax on MotorCycles and Scooters above 50 cc, whereas, in other states like Maharashtra, one may need to pay 10% of the vehicle’s cost for a vehicle up to 99cc. In short, there can be cases where the road tax would be high for some states and low for others.
• Type of Vehicle: People have various options available when it comes to buying a new bike. Some go for electric bikes while a few choose sports bikes. RTO charges also vary based on the vehicle type, i.e. if you buy an electric bike, commuter bike, or sports bike, the charges will be different in each case.
• Additional Charges: RTO may impose additional fees for issuing a smart card, installation of modified exhaust systems, additional lights, etc.

RTO Costs in Different States in 2024 for Two Wheelers

In India, road tax, registration fee, and other RTO charges are different for each state. Here is a quick overview of RTO costs for bike owners in some of the major states.

1. Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, the cost of the vehicle is one of the key parameters used for calculating the road tax. For new bike owners, if your bike has an engine capacity below 99cc, you will be required to pay 10% of your vehicle cost (minimum of Rs 1500). Similarly, if the engine capacity lies between 99 - 299 cc, then 11% and above 299cc, then 12% of the vehicle cost. Keep in mind that there are different taxation slabs for old and new vehicles in Maharashtra.

2. Karnataka

Karnataka is also known for calculating its actual road tax based on the vehicle cost. For example, if you have bought a bike up to Rs. 50000, your road tax will be 10% of your vehicle cost. However, if your bike ranges between Rs 50000 to Rs 100000, you must pay 12%, and above Rs 100000, then you need to pay 18% of the cost.

3. Tamil Nadu

Similar to Maharashtra and Karnataka, the road tax in this state is also calculated based on the cost of the vehicle. At present, the road tax for new bikes is 8% of the total vehicle cost over 15 years. In fact, bikes up to Rs 1 lakh are expected to pay 10% tax, and bikes over Rs 1 lakh would pay 12% tax. Keep in mind that the percentage might change over a certain period, so always connect directly with RTO officials.

4. Delhi

Unlike a few other states, the guidelines for road tax in Delhi are different. The officials instead of using vehicle cost rely on the vehicle's engine capacity to conclude the road tax. For example, if you have purchased a new bike that has an engine capacity below 50 cc, you only need to pay Rs 650. However, if the engine capacity goes beyond 50 cc, you need to pay Rs 1220.

5. Uttar Pradesh

Another country that uses vehicle cost as the source to conclude road tax. In Uttar Pradesh, if you have bought a moped with a weight below 90.72kg, you must pay an amount of Rs 150. However, if you run a two-wheeler with less than Rs 0.20 lakh value, you are eligible for 2% of the vehicle cost. Similarly, if the two-wheeler's cost lies between Rs 0.20 lakh and Rs 0.60 lakh, you must pay 4% of the vehicle cost. In case, it is between Rs 0.60 lakh and Rs 2 lakh, then 6%, and if the cost exceeds Rs 2 lakh, then 8% of the vehicle cost.

Note: These are just examples, the percentage value may change over the period of time and for different states. It is advised to consult the local RTO or official website for accurate information.

Registration Process of New 2-wheeler in India

Vehicle owners have the option to choose from different methods to register their new bikes. One can visit the official website, register a bike via an agent, or pay the dealer to file the documents. In case, you want to register with the RTO by yourself, here are the following steps:

1. Documentation

First and foremost, collect all the required documents with you before visiting the local RTO. Most common documents requested by authorities include Identity proof, Address proof, and Insurance documents. Apart from these crucial documents, it is essential for the vehicle owner to apply for Form 20, Form 21, Form 22, and Form 34 (if applicable). Furthermore, you must submit the sales invoice and Temporary registration number (TRN) provided by the dealer along with a pencil print of the vehicle's engine and chassis. You can even get in touch with RTO authorities for more information. For submission, carry the original documents along with the photocopies.

Note: Carry a valid driving license with you when visiting the nearby local RTO.

2. Submit your application

The next step is to submit the application by visiting the RTO office. Carry all the requested documents and their photocopies for application submission. When attaching the documents with the application, you will also be required to pay the RTO registration fee at the counter. Some people even pay for the road tax in this step. Make sure to ask for the receipt as proof of submission.

3. Vehicle Inspection by Officials

After submitting an application and paying registration charges, the next step is getting your vehicle examined by the authorities. The RTO authorities or the Inspector of Motor Vehicles will physically examine your vehicle and match details. Also, they will check if the vehicle complies with the safety standards, and then the RTO superintendent will enter your new data. Following a final inspection, the vehicle registration will be approved by the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO).

4. Issuance of Registration Certificate

After verification, you will receive the registration certificate (RC) of your new bike from the RTO within a few days or weeks via post at your registered address. You can even collect it directly by visiting the RTO office.

Documents Required To Register A New Bike At The RTO

To register a new bike, one must submit the following documents, including:

• Submit Application Form 20 for vehicle registration
• Form 21 (Sale certificate) and Pollution Under Control certificate (if applicable) provided by the bike dealer.
• Form 22 (Roadworthiness Certificate)
• Form 34 if purchased the bike using a bank loan.
• Address Proof may include an Aadhaar card, utility bills, or rental agreement that clearly states your address.
• Identity Proof may include a PAN card, passport, voter ID, etc.
• Sales invoice from the dealer
• Pencil print of the vehicle's engine and chassis

Conclusion

In India, if you drive your vehicle without a Registration Certificate (RC), you may have to pay heavy fines. In certain cases, a traffic policy can also impound your car. Hence, it is mandatory to get your vehicle registered with the RTO to avoid legal matters. But remember, the RTO charges include different costs, such as road tax, registration fee, and number plate charges. These costs may vary from state to state and are calculated based on different factors. Check the above-listed factors and registration procedure to gain legal permission to drive on Indian roads. Also, we have mentioned Road tax charges from some major Indian cities. Do not let the traffic police charge heavy fees, instead go through the above-listed details and file your RTO today.

FAQs

• How long do officials take to release a new vehicle registration number?

Generally, the vehicle registration process for a new vehicle hardly takes 2 to 3 days, but it may vary based on different factors. In some cases, when the waiting list is long, the whole process might take a week's time. Remember, the turnaround time can vary for different states, so connect with your local RTO for more information.

• If my RC is lost, what should I do?

No need to panic if you lose or damage your RC. One can get a duplicate copy of your RC through the Parivahan online portal. All you need to do is submit the necessary documents along with the filed FIR copy if the RC is stolen. After processing your application, the authorities will release a duplicate RC.

• Is it mandatory to register your bike through the dealership?

No, registering your bike or vehicle through a dealership is not compulsory. However, dealers often offer this service but it is completely optional. The vehicle owner can choose to get it done through a dealer, by themselves, or by hiring an agent.

• What are the steps to view the VAHAN application status online?

Here are the steps to check your VAHAN application online status:

• Visit the official Parivahan website
• Enter the application number or vehicle registration number
• Track the application's status and progress report.

• What is the road tax on new vehicle registration?

Road tax is different for each state and is calculated on various factors. Some states calculate the value using the vehicle cost, while others use engine capacity to derive the final value. You must visit the official portal or contact your local RTO authority for accurate figures.

• Should I carry the RC while driving the vehicle?

Yes, one must make sure that he/she carries their Registration Certificate (RC) at all times when driving. In case you lose or damage your original RC, immediately apply for a duplicate copy to avoid legal matters and penalty.

• What is the RC renewal fee in India?

The class of the vehicle determines the Indian RC renewal charge. For example, motorcycles and two-wheelers require a registration renewal charge of Rs. 300. It might be different for different vehicle classes, such as commercial vehicles, cars, or trucks. You can consult the RTO's renewal costs table to see the exact renewal cost for your car, or visit their official website for the most recent details.

• What if my RC expired and I was still driving?

Driving with an expired registration certificate is not allowed in India. As a result, you may have to pay fines or lead to legal complications. Traffic police can charge heavy fines or impound your car if found you were driving with an expired RC.

• What is the validity of the temporary registration number?

The dealer issues the temporary registration number on buying a new car that is applicable only for 30 days only. To make sure that your car is still legally registered during this time, it's critical to have a permanent registration number.

• What will happen if I do not get my bike registered?

In case you drive without getting your bike registered from a RTO office, there are high chances that you will have to pay heavy fines or face legal issues on getting caught by traffic police.