Allow dealers to register cars: GoM

A group of ministers (GoM) has recommended the authority to register vehicles be delegated from regional transport offices (RTO) to dealers.

Constituted by the Union ministry of road transport and highways, it was asked to ‘mandate to examine the best in the road transport sector with a view to improve safety and mobility’. It is headed by Yoonus Khan, transport minister of Rajasthan.

“Since dealers have all the details of vehicles and vehicle owners, it is proposed that the power to register new vehicles may be delegated to them, so that RTOs are relieved from this burden,” the GoM recommends. Given the enormous rise in vehicle demand, RTOs often find themselves understaffed. Also, a common complaint is about corruption.

In 2015-16, there were 20.5 million vehicles sold, including 16.5 mn two-wheelers and 2.78 mn passenger vehicles (PV). In addition to registration of new vehicles, RTOs have to process requests for change of ownership of used vehicles, whose PV size is nearly three times the size of the new PV market.  

The 34 recommendations proposed by the GoM come as the draft Road Transport and Safety Bill could go in for detailed deliberations.  

Further recommendations include allowing a licence after the age of 16 years for a gearless scooter with an engine below 100cc. At present, the minimum age to apply for a permanent licence to drive a private motor vehicle is 18 years.

It is also proposed to have the application and issue of a learner’s licence online. Penalties on various counts have also been raised in the proposal. For instance, driving at ‘dangerous speeds’ could attract a fine of up to Rs 10,000 for a repeat offence, as against Rs 2,000 earlier. If found driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, there could be jail of six months and Rs 5,000 penalty, beside a licence suspension for two years.