Is It Legal to Drive Your Car in Another State?
You can drive in a state where your car isn’t registered. However, it’s typically allowed for up to 12 months, after which you have to re-register your vehicle. Even if you obtain an NOC (as discussed above), the document is valid for six months. Remember that you must complete the re-registration process within the set timeframe.
RC Transfer Process in a Different State
A lot of people shift between states due to jobs, migrations, or new opportunities. However, this change brings a few struggles, including registering your vehicle in the state to which you have moved. If you are also struggling with the same, here’s a detailed overview of how you can re-register your car in another location:
Get an NOC
You must deregister your vehicle and obtain an NOC from the RTO office of the previous state. You must complete the application form and attach it with the required documents and requisite fees.
Transport Your Car
After approval of the NOC, you can bring your vehicle to the new state. You can either:
- Use a transport service
- Self-drive
Remember to keep the necessary documents, as any officer can ask for them.
Submit the Documents
You have to provide the required documents to the new RTO for registering your vehicle in the new state.
Although every state follows its own set of rules, they require the following documents for vehicle registration:
- Original Registration Certificate (RC) and photocopies
- NCO from the initial RTO
- Valid Driving License
- Insurance papers
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
- Address proof for the new residence
- Form 29 and 30 for re-registration
- Road tax payment slip (if applicable)
Physical Assessment
An official from the RTO department will examine the vehicle. This will help them certify that the car is fit enough for registration in the particular state.
Obtain the New Registration Certificate
Once the verification is successfully completed, you can collect your new RC from the RTO office.
Duration of Stay and Legal Implications
A vehicle’s registration ensures that your car complies with the transport rules and follows the environmental and safety protocols. However, when it comes to re-registering it, the task can be challenging. How can you figure out the temporary and permanent rules upon relocation? Let’s take a look:
Travel Regulations for Temporary Stay
If your vehicle is registered in one state, you can drive it in another without a special permit. If your stay isn’t over 12 months, you don’t need to re-register your vehicle. However, it’s imperative to keep the following documents to establish your temporary stay:
- FASTag records
- Petrol/diesel bills
- Insurance with the registered address
- PUC from the original state
Travel Regulations for Permanent Stay
As per the rules laid down in the Motor Vehicles Act, you must re-register your vehicle in case your stay extends for more than 12 months. You have to submit an application along with the required documents (mentioned above) to complete the process. Remember that if the road tax is higher for the new state, you have to pay the difference while submitting the NOC.
Understanding Interstate Road Tax
Road tax is a significant part of vehicle registration, used by the government for road services and infrastructure improvement. The exact timeline and amount of this tax vary by state. Therefore, you have to pay the tax in the following circumstances:
Moving permanently to another state
Suppose a vehicle’s tax is paid in one jurisdiction, and it’s being driven in another. In this scenario, the government feels that there’s a loss of tax revenue. Therefore, it is necessary to pay the tax for the particular state where you are moving.
Using the vehicle for business or commercial purposes
In case you are operating a commercial or business vehicle, you are liable to pay interstate tax for every state you enter. Remember that a few states also impose an entry tax for such cars while crossing the toll gate.
Procedure for Paying Road Tax in Another State
Upon re-registration of the vehicle, pay the road tax to avoid any roadblocks.
Steps to pay road tax when relocating
You can easily pay the tax in a new state by submitting:
- Obtain NOC from the initial RTO
- Submit Form 20 along with the necessary documents to the new RTO
- Pay the new state road tax and collect the acknowledgement receipt
- Apply for a new registration number if staying permanently
Reclaiming Road Tax from the Previous State
In case you have already paid the road tax in the prior state, you are eligible for a refund upon successful vehicle transfer. Here are the documents you need to submit with the RTO:
- Refund application
- Original and new RC
- New registration proof
- Insurance documents
Please note: The refund process can take a few months, depending on the RTO’s discretion.
Permits Required for Commercial Vehicles
You must obtain the required permits if you are using a vehicle for commercial purposes. The fees for every permit vary according to the duration and vehicle type. Commercial vehicle permits issued by the RTO are as follows:
National Permit
The permit is issued to commercial vehicles which transport goods across all Indian states.
| Vehicle Category | Fees |
| Vehicle weight up to 7.5 tonnes | ₹15,000 (annually) |
| Vehicle weight above 7.5 tonnes | ₹20,000 (annually) |
State Permit
The permit is issued to commercial vehicles which transport goods within a particular state. Their fees vary according to the state; however, they commonly:
- For metropolitan cities: ₹5,000
- Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu: ₹3,000
- Chandigarh and Pondicherry: ₹1,500
Contract Carriage Permit
The permit is issued to commercial vehicles which are hired to move on a specific route.
| Vehicle weight up to 7.5 tonnes | ₹1,500 (annually) |
| Vehicle weight above 7.5 tonnes | ₹2,000 (annually) |
Penalties for Non-Compliance
In case you drive a vehicle without securing a valid permit or paying state tax, you may face the following consequences:
- Fine: If you fail to comply with interstate travel regulations, you must pay late fees and penalty charges. The fine is calculated differently for every state.
- Legal Issue: Your vehicle can be detained for a specific timeframe, or you may have to face an interaction with the traffic officer upon inspection.
Conclusion
The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 provides a comprehensive framework for following traffic and transport rules. If you are moving to another state, ensure to submit an application for a new RC. Pay the new state tax and drive without second-guessing.
By staying informed about those rules, especially when driving your car in another state for over 12 months, you can avoid legal complications and enjoy a seamless experience. In case of failure, it cannot only lead to a hefty fine but also to vehicle impoundment. So stay aware, and stay safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
