Introduction:

Under Section 66 of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, States or the Regional Transport Authority issue permits to authorize the use of motor vehicles as transport vehicles. Permits are mandatory for all commercial or transport vehicle drivers, and transport authorities ensure compliance during highway patrols, as per the Motor Vehicle Act 1988.

There are two main types of motor vehicle permits in India: national permit and local permit. Fees for these permits vary depending on the vehicle class. Let's delve into the types of permits and the respective fees for motor vehicles in India.

What is a Motor Vehicle Permit?

A permit is a legal document associated with a motor vehicle, compulsory for driving commercial or transport vehicles. As stipulated 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: These are required for vehicles operating outside their home state, with permits issued for four states and the home state. For goods vehicles, the age limit is 12 years, and for multi-axle vehicles, it's 15 years.
  • Goods Carriers: This permit allows vehicles to operate outside the state when transporting goods.
  • Counter Signature of Goods Carriers Permits: Valid across states regardless of the issuing state, except Delhi, which doesn't issue this permit for vehicles heavier than 7500 kilograms that run on non-clean fuel.
• Passenger Vehicles
  • Eco-friendly Sewa: Issued for battery-operated three-wheelers with a maximum capacity of 11, including the driver.
  • Permit for Maxi Cab: Issued in Delhi, managed by STA, for vehicles with a capacity of fewer than 13 passengers.
  • Permits for Chartered Buses: Granted to rental vehicles under contract, with requisite passenger lists and predefined routes.
  • Auto Rickshaw and Taxi Permit for Vehicles: Available in Delhi for autorickshaws to use meters to calculate charges.
  • Phat-Phat Sewa: Given to vehicles carrying 10 plus a driver on specific routes.
  • Temporary Basis Permits: For specific situations, including religious events, clinical business ventures, or when permit renewal is underway.

Permits for Stage Carriages:

• All India Tourist Permit (AITP): Available for tourist buses meeting specific criteria, such as being white luxury models with a blue ribbon and 'Tourist' markings.
• School Buses or Institutions: Exempt from road tax if owned by educational institutions.
• Permit for Rent-a-cab: Issued by the Delhi Government for private buses under the Delhi Transport Corporation on various routes.

Local Permit Fees for Different Categories of Vehicles

Owners seeking 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

Applying for a national permit requires a selection of at least 3 states, excluding Delhi. The applicable fees are:

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 Different States in India

The national permit fees across various states are as follows:

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

Other Fees and Charges for Different 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 validity
• HMV: Rs.2500 for a 5-year validity
• Counter Signature for other State Stage Carriage: Rs.2500 for 5 years
• Temporary Permit: Rs.20 per day (subject to tax paid at Borders)

Renewal of Permit and Charges Levied for It

Permits, except temporary ones, are valid for 5 years, with renewal charges equating to initial issuance fees. Renewal applications must be submitted 15 days before the permit's expiry, or late fees will apply:

• Auto Rickshaw: Rs.50, then Rs.50 + Rs. 3/day post-expiration
• Local Taxis: Rs.100, then Rs.100 + Rs.10/day post-expiration
• Light Motor Vehicles: Rs.200, then Rs.200 + Rs.50/day post-expiration
• Heavy Motor Vehicles: Rs.300, then Rs.300 + Rs.20/day post-expiration

The fee for a duplicate renewal permit is half the renewal issue charge.

Replacement of a Vehicle

Indian regulations permit vehicle replacement while keeping the original permit intact, with a four-month replacement window post-deposit. Late fees apply 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
• Post 181 days: Rs.100/day

Process to Apply for a Vehicle Permit

Steps to Obtain a Vehicle Permit:

1. Visit the relevant RTO.
2. Collect and complete required application forms.
3. Submit with address and identity proofs.
4. Pay applicable fees.
5. Wait for RTO processing.
6. The RTO will evaluate the vehicle's condition and compliance.
7. Upon approval, the application will finalize.

Documents Required for a Vehicle Permit

Essential documents for a vehicle permit include:

• Application forms 46 and 48
• Vehicle's Fitness Certificate
• Proof of current home-state tax payments
• National Permit Fee payment
• Any applicable green taxes
• Insurance Certificate
• Approved demand drafts for interstate taxes
• Vehicle Registration Certificate