RTO Punjab
The Punjab Transport Department operates under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 (Section 213). Regional Transport Office Punjab or RTO Punjab is an essential part of Punjab Transport Department which functions under the supervision of Transport Commissioner. The main aim of the department to ensure successful enforcement of the rules and regulations mentioned in the M.V Act and to make the transportation services easily available to the common masses. Some of the main functions of the department include:
Functions of RTO Punjab
- Temporary registration of the vehicle
- Permanent registration of the vehicle
- Renewal of Vehicle Registration Certificate
- Issue of duplicate Registration Certificate
- Change of address in the Registration Certificate
- Endorsement/termination of the hire-purchase agreement
- Issuing national permits
- Permits to stage carriage
- Collecting road taxes
- Accepting various fees and penalties
List of RTO Punjab
There are 76 RTO offices functioning in the different parts of the state, which are responsible to functions under the provisions of M.V Act and Punjab Transport Department. The details of these RTOs are given below:
| RTO Location | RTO Code | RTO Location | RTO Code | RTO Location | RTO Code |
| Chandigarh | PB01 | Kharar | PB27 | Bassi Pathana | PB52 |
| Amritsar | PB02 | Malerkotla | PB28 | Malout | PB53 |
| Bathinda | PB03 | Moga | PB29 | Mukerian | PB54 |
| Faridkot | PB04 | Muktsar | PB30 | Payal | PB55 |
| Ferozepur | PB05 | Mansa | PB31 | Raikot | PB56 |
| Gurdaspur | PB06 | Nawanshahr | PB32 | Bhulath | PB57 |
| Hoshiarpur | PB07 | Nakodar | PB33 | Dera Baba Nanak | PB58 |
| Jalandhar | PB08 | Nabha, Patiala | PB34 | Dhuri | PB59 |
| Kapurthala | PB09 | Pathankot | PB35 | Gidderbaha | PB60 |
| Ludhiana | PB10 | Phagwara | PB36 | Jalalabad | PB61 |
| Patiala | PB11 | Phillaur | PB37 | Jaitu | PB62 |
| Ropar | PB12 | Patti | PB38 | Khadoor Sahib | PB63 |
| Sangrur | PB13 | Rajpura, Patiala | PB39 | Moonak | PB64 |
| Ajnala | PB14 | Rampura Phul | PB40 | Mohali | PB65 |
| Abohar | PB15 | Sultanpur Lodhi | PB41 | Nihal Singh Wala | PB66 |
| Anandpur Sahib | PB16 | Samana, Patiala | PB42 | Shahkot | PB67 |
| Baba Bakala | PB17 | Samrala | PB43 | Dhar Kalan | PB68 |
| Batala | PB18 | Sunam | PB44 | Bagha Purana | PB69 |
| Barnala | PB19 | Talwandi Sabo | PB45 | Dera Bassi | PB70 |
| Balachaur | PB20 | Tarn Taran | PB46 | Chamkaur Sahib | PB71 |
| Dasuya | PB21 | Zira | PB47 | Patran | PB72 |
| Fazilka | PB22 | Amloh | PB48 | Tappa Mandi | PB73 |
| Fatehgarh Sahib | PB23 | Khamano | PB49 | Nangal | PB74 |
| Garhshankar | PB24 | Budhlada | PB50 | Lehra | PB75 |
| Jagraon | PB25 | Jhunir | PB51 | Ahmedgarh | PB76 |
| Khanna | PB26 |
Types of Vehicle Registration in Punjab
Similar to other states, Punjab also has two types of registrations; Temporary and Permanent registration. While temporary registration can be availed through a dealer at the time of purchasing the vehicle, permanent registration is compulsory in nature and can be availed by approaching the concerned RTO of the area. Temporary registration is offered for a limited period of 7 days or up to one month, while permanent registration card is valid for 15 years, after which it needs to be renewed.
How to Register a Vehicle in Punjab?
Motor Vehicles Act of India restricts one from driving an unregistered vehicle. The violation of the same may lead to legal actions against the owner. A newly bought vehicle must either following the temporary registration process or permanent registration. However, registering a vehicle in Punjab is simple. One will require approaching the Registering Authority in Punjab and making an application regarding the same. The application form must be accompanied with the following documents:
- Form 20/application form
- Form 21/Sales certificate obtained from the dealer
- Form 22/Roadworthiness certificate by the manufacturer
- Form 22A/in case of fabricated vehicle
- Pollution under Control Certificate (PUC)
- Vehicle insurance document
- Address proof of the owner
- STA design Approval (Trailer or Semi-Trailer vehicle)
- Form 21 - Sales certificate from the concerned authority if the vehicle belonged to an ex-army
- Customs Clearance Certificate in case of an imported vehicle
- Applicable registration fee as per Rule 81 of CMV Act
- Payable tax as per Punjab Motor Vehicles Taxation Act
Renewal of RC in Punjab
As we already know, registration card is valid for a definite period. In case of temporary registration, it is valid for not more than one month. On the other hand, the permanent registration card in case of non-transport or private vehicle is valid for 15 years. That’s why one needs to renew the RC at least 60 days prior to its actual expiry date. After the first renewal, it has to be renewed in every 5 years. In case of commercial vehicles, a fitness certificate is issues after the first registration for two years period. An application is required along with the following documents to renew the RC:
- Form 25/application for renewal
- Original Registration Certificate of the vehicle
- Vehicle PUC Certificate
- Vehicle insurance certificate
How to Issue Duplicate RC with Punjab RTO
Issuing a duplicate RC is essential is the original one is misplaced or damaged. The owner has to make an application in Form 26 to avail a duplicate RC and submit along with the required documents to the RTO Punjab. If the vehicle is bought on loan, a NOC from the financer will be required as well. A minimal fee as per the Rule 81 is required to avail a duplicate RC. The application form must be submitted with the following documents:
- Police FIR in case of loss of the RC
- Original Registration Certificate if it is damaged
Transfer of Vehicle Ownership in Punjab
If an owner sells his/her vehicle to another person, the ownership of the vehicle has to be transferred without a fail. In order to do so, an application shall be made to the RTO Punjab in form no 29 and submit along with the below documents:
- Vehicle Registration Certificate
- Vehicle insurance document
- No Objection Certificate if the vehicle is registered outside Punjab
- No Objection Certificate from the financer in case of a loan
- Vehicle PUC Certificate
- Address proof of vehicle owner
- Affidavit stating about the deal
How to get Vehicle Insurance in Punjab?
Like vehicle registration, vehicle insurance is mandatory in India. One can get his/her prized possession insured either online or offline. When the mandatory vehicle insurance i.e. Third Party vehicle insurance covers the insured for legal liabilities arising from a third party, the Comprehensive insurance offers optimum coverage by insuring the own damage as well. As there is no dearth of insurance providers in Punjab, one can easily buy insurance. However, one must be sure of one thing that he is buying only after analysing his requirements and comparing the plans online.