RTO Full Form | Details and Role of RTO for UPSC

RTO Full Form: RTO Full Form is Regional Transport Office. As the name suggests, it is related to regulation and recording the database and overseeing the vehicles in a district or a region in India. It comes under the Government of India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. It also enforces the laws, rules and regulations regarding transport. It also levies taxes and fines according to state and union laws and rules, as well as issues driving licences to people within a state or region.

RTO is an essential institution of the Government of India. Questions regarding RTO are asked in many competitive exams.

Regional Transport Office Details | RTO Full Form, Details

Now that we have told you the RTO Full Form, we tell you the details of RTO. 

History of RTO

Pre-Independence History:

1. The history of transport regulation in India can be dated back to the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, 1914 several years after the introduction of gasoline-powered vehicles in India. The primary function of the Act was to regulate the usage of motor vehicles in British India. The Amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1914 are as follows: 

(a)Indian Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 1920

(b)Indian Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 1924

2. The First RTO was established in 1921 in Chennai (Madras) 
3. The second legislation regarding the regulation of Motor vehicles in India was Motor Vehicles Act, 1939. It consolidated the laws relating to motor vehicles and also took into consideration the technological evolutions relating to motor vehicles. It also  However, the law was deemed incomplete and a more simplified and rationalized law was required after Independence. 

Post-Independence History: 

1. Numerous Committees such as National Transport Policy Committee, Low Powered Two-Wheelers Committee, Road Safety Committee, National Police Commission, and the Law Commission suggested a comprehensive review of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1939 and the enactment of a new law that is in tandem with the current transport technologies. 

2. As a result, the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 was enacted by the Union Government. It is a comprehensive act that is still in place today with a few amendments (discussed below). The Act delved into all aspects of transport, including issuing of licences, number plates, fees and taxes, permits, registration of vehicles, Transfer of ownership, etc. It further gave the Power to State Government to control road transport and make transport rules by establishing Regional Transport Authorities but the legislative powers remained in the hands of the Union Government. As a result, the Union Government notified Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 to implement the law.

3. The Motor Vehicle Act has been amended one time – in 2019. The Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act, 2019 provides insurance for Motor Vehicles against third-party risks. It omits the Chapter X of the Principal Act and amends its Chapter XI.

See Also:

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RTO Full Form: Roles of RTO

Now that we have told you RTO Full Form and its History, we list the roles of RTO here. The following are the roles of RTO

1. The primary responsibility of a regional Transport Office is enforcing the laws enacted and rules notified by the Central and State Governments, such as the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 and Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. As mentioned above, the legislative power remains with the central government whereas the rules can be made by both the Central and State Governments.
2. The Regional Transport Office maintains a comprehensive database of the vehicles registered in their area. It also records and investigates accidents and violations of traffic rules.
3. Another important function of RTO is associated with licences. The driver’s licence is issued by the RTO after examining the prospective driver’s ability to drive. It also issues Conductor’s licence. It also reserves the authority to revoke (on grounds of disease or disability), disqualify any person and renew a driving licence.
4. RTOs issue permits to passenger and carrier vehicles. It also deals with the transfer, cancellation and suspension of permits. 
5. It has the power to issue a No Objection Certificate to the owner of a motor vehicle when applying for the assignment of a new registration mark.
6. It is also responsible for the collection of road tax. Under any Government law, the RTO can levy fees on applications, amendment of documents, issue of certificates, licences, permits, tests, endorsements, plates, authorisation etc. 
7. Inspection of vehicles can be carried out by RTO officers to prevent accidents.

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