Understanding Motor Vehicle Permits and Fees in India

Summary

Introduction: Under Section 66 of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, the issuance of permits by State or the Regional Transport Authority is required for operating vehicles as transport vehicles. These permits are obligatory for all commercial or transport drivers according to the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, with compliance checks enforced by transport authorities during highway inspections.

Introduction:

Under Section 66 of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, the issuance of permits by State or the Regional Transport Authority is required for operating vehicles as transport vehicles. These permits are obligatory for all commercial or transport drivers according to the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, with compliance checks enforced by transport authorities during highway inspections.

In India, two primary motor vehicle permits exist: a national permit and a local permit. Permit fees vary depending on the vehicle class. Let’s delve into these permit categories and associated motor vehicle fees in India.

What is a Motor Vehicle Permit?

A permit acts as a legal document necessary for operating commercial or transport vehicles. As mandated by the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, transport authorities verify permits during highway patrols.

Types of Motor Vehicle Permits

Motor vehicle permits are primarily categorized into two:

Goods Vehicles
- National Permits: Required for vehicles running outside their home state, covering four states in addition to the home state. For goods vehicles, the age limit is 12 years; multi-axle vehicles have a limit of 15 years.
- Goods Carriers: Permits vehicles to operate out of state for goods transport.
- Counter Signature of Goods Carriers Permits: Applicable across states regardless of issuing state, except in Delhi for vehicles over 7500 kg using non-clean fuel.
Passenger Vehicles
- Eco-friendly Sewa: For battery-operated three-wheelers with a maximum capacity of 11, including the driver.
- Permit for Maxi Cab: Issued in Delhi and managed by STA for vehicles with capacity under 13 passengers.
- Permits for Chartered Buses: For rented vehicles under contracts with enlisted passengers and set routes.
- Auto Rickshaw and Taxi Permit for Vehicles: Available in Delhi for autorickshaws using meters for fare calculation.
- Phat-Phat Sewa: Granted to vehicles carrying up to 10 plus a driver on designated routes.
- Temporary Basis Permits: For special circumstances like religious events, business ventures, or during permit renewal.

Permits for Stage Carriages:

All India Tourist Permit (AITP): Available for tourist buses conforming to criteria such as being white luxury models with a blue stripe and 'Tourist' labels.
School Buses or Institutions: Road tax exemption applies if owned by educational institutions.
Permit for Rent-a-cab: Issued by the Delhi Government for private buses under the Delhi Transport Corporation covering various routes.

Local Permit Fees for Different Categories of Vehicles

Vehicle owners looking for a local permit must adhere to these fees:

Class of Vehicle	Fees Levied	Permit Validity
Light Goods Vehicle (LGV)	Rs.2000	5 years
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV)	Rs.2500	5 years
Authorization for LGV	Rs.500	1 year

National Permit Fees for Different Categories of Vehicles

Application for a national permit involves selecting a minimum of 3 states, excluding Delhi. Fees are listed below:

Class of Vehicle	Fees Levied	Permit Validity
Light Goods Vehicle (LGV)	Rs.2015	5 years
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV)	Rs.2515	5 years
Authorization for LGV	Rs.500	1 year

National Permit Fees for Various States in India

State	National Permit Fees
Haryana	Rs.5000
Rajasthan	Rs.5000
Madhya Pradesh	Rs.5000
Uttar Pradesh	Rs.5000
Himachal Pradesh	Rs.5000
Jammu and Kashmir	Rs.5000
Punjab	Rs.5000
Bihar	Rs.5000
Gujarat	Rs.5000
Maharashtra	Rs.5000
Orissa	Rs.5000
West Bengal	Rs.5000
Kerala	Rs.5000
Assam	Rs.5000
Meghalaya	Rs.5000
Tamil Nadu	Rs.3000
Andhra Pradesh	Rs.3000
Chandigarh	Rs.1500
Pondicherry	Rs.1500

Additional Fees and Charges for Various Permits

Type of Permit	Permit Fees	Permit Validity
Light Goods Vehicle (LGV)	Rs.1215	5 years
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV)	Rs.1615	5 years
Contract Carriage Permit for buses	Rs.1100	5 years
All India Tourist Permit for buses	Rs.500	1 year
Stage Carriage Permit	Rs.1100	5 years
Point to Point Permit	Rs.500	4 months

Countersignature for Haryana & Punjab

State LGV: Rs.1500 for a 5-year term.
HMV: Rs.2500 for 5 years.
Counter Signature for other State Stage Carriage: Rs.2500 for 5 years.
Temporary Permit: Rs.20 daily (subject to border tax).

Renewal of Permit and Associated Charges

Permit durations, excluding temporary ones, are generally valid for 5 years with renewal costs aligning with initial issuance fees. Submit renewal applications 15 days before expiry to avoid additional fees:

Auto Rickshaw: Rs.50, followed by Rs.50 + Rs.3 daily post-expiry.
Local Taxis: Rs.100, plus Rs.100 + Rs.10 daily beyond expiration.
Light Motor Vehicles: Rs.200, with Rs.200 + Rs.50 daily post-expiry.
Heavy Motor Vehicles: Rs.300, then Rs.300 + Rs.20 daily upon expiration.

The cost for a duplicate renewal permit is half the initial renewal rate.

Replacement of a Vehicle

Indian regulations allow replacing vehicles while retaining the original permit, with a four-month replacement window after the deposit. Delay fees post-four months:

Up to 30 days: Rs.10/day
31-60 days: Rs.20/day
61-120 days: Rs.20/day
121-180 days: Rs.60/day
Beyond 181 days: Rs.100/day