India's first planned city, Chandigarh, serves as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana and is itself a Union Territory administered by the central government. Located in the foothills of the Shivaliks, Chandigarh, the City Beautiful, spreads over 114 square kilometres. Did you know the city was designed by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier in a layout inspired by the human body structure?
Well-laid roads, tree-lined avenues, dedicated walkways, and strict traffic norms make Chandigarh one of India's best-planned urban centres. The Transport Department, which comes under the Chandigarh administration, oversees all transport-related duties and responsibilities. Read on to know more about the RTO office in Chandigarh.
Functions of RTO Chandigarh
The RTO office in Chandigarh was established under Section 213(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The office plays an important role in controlling vehicular pollution across the city and puts in place rules and regulations for the proper functioning of traffic on public roads. Here are the key responsibilities of RTO Chandigarh:
Issuing driving licences, including learner's, permanent, duplicate, and renewal licences
Issuing vehicle registration certificates, both temporary and permanent
Collecting fines and penalising those who violate traffic rules and guidelines
Issuing vehicle fitness certificates and No Objection Certificates (NOCs)
Inspecting vehicles at various check posts across the city
Collecting road taxes from vehicle owners in Chandigarh
Conducting driving tests for licence applicants
Introducing policies and reforms for the betterment of transport in Chandigarh
RTO Chandigarh Office Address
RTO Code | RTO Office Address | Contact Number |
CH-01 | The Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Sector 17, Chandigarh, 160017 | 0172-2700341 |
Office hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (except public holidays)
Online services: Visit the national Parivahan portal at parivahan.gov.in for licence renewal, road tax payment, and RC-related applications.
Different Types of RTO Forms Used in RTO Office Chandigarh
Form No. 20: Application form for the registration of a motor vehicle
Form No. 23: Application to obtain a registration certificate
Form No. 24: Application for registration certificate for transport vehicles
Form No. 29: Used for transferring ownership of a vehicle , to be submitted by both seller and buyer
Form No. 38A: Inspection report form submitted after a vehicle is examined by the RTO
Form No. 50: Declaration of goods or load carried by a commercial transport vehicle
Form No. 51: Insurance certificate for a motor vehicle
Form No. 54: Used to report accident details involving a vehicle
Various Types of Driving Licences Issued by RTO Office Chandigarh
Learner's licence
Before applying for a permanent driving licence, every applicant must first obtain a learner's licence. A mandatory waiting period of 30 days applies before a permanent licence can be applied for. The learner's licence remains valid for six months from the date of issue. This applies to all categories of vehicles.
Light motor vehicle (LMV) licence
Persons who operate cars, jeeps, or two-wheelers, including cab and taxi drivers, are issued an LMV licence.
Motorcycle without gear (MCWOG) licence
Persons who ride mopeds, scooters, or other two-wheelers that do not have a manual gear system are issued a motorcycle without gear (MCWOG) licence.
Motorcycle with gear licence
Persons who ride two-wheelers with a manual gear system are issued a motorcycle with gear (MCWG) licence.
Heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) licence
Persons who operate heavy passenger vehicles or heavy goods vehicles for commercial purposes are issued a heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) licence.
Licence for motorbikes with engine capacity up to 50cc
The general minimum age for obtaining a driving licence in India is 18 years. However, persons who are 16 years of age can be issued a licence to ride a two-wheeler whose engine capacity does not exceed 50cc.
Types of Registration Certificates Issued by RTO Chandigarh
RTO Chandigarh issues two types of registration certificates: temporary and permanent.
Temporary RC: A temporary RC is issued by the vehicle dealer at the time of purchase and is valid for 30 days. During this period, the vehicle owner must apply for a permanent RC.
Permanent RC: A permanent RC is issued after the applicant submits the required documents and they are verified by the RTO. It is valid for 15 years from the date of registration, after which it can be renewed.
Documents required for vehicle registration
Form 20 (vehicle registration application)
Form 21 (sale certificate from the dealer)
Form 22 (roadworthiness certificate from the manufacturer)
Valid motor insurance certificate
Proof of identity and address
Recent passport-size photographs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I apply for a driving licence at RTO Chandigarh?
You must first apply for a learner's licence at the RTO office or online through parivahan.gov.in. After a 30-day waiting period, you can apply for a permanent driving licence by appearing for a driving test at the RTO.
Q. How long is a permanent driving licence valid?
A permanent driving licence is valid for 20 years from the date of issue, or until the holder turns 50 years of age, whichever is earlier. After that, it can be renewed.
Q. How do I transfer ownership of a vehicle in Chandigarh?
Both the buyer and seller must submit Form 29 and Form 30 at the RTO. Copies of valid insurance, a PUC certificate, the existing RC, and the buyer's address proof must be attached. An appointment can be booked online through the RTO portal.
Q. Can I access RTO Chandigarh services online?
Yes. Services such as licence renewal, road tax payment, and RC-related applications can be done through the Parivahan Sewa portal at parivahan.gov.in.
Q. What is the difference between a temporary and a permanent RC?
A temporary RC is issued by the vehicle dealer and is valid for 30 days. A permanent RC is issued by the RTO after document verification and is valid for 15 years.
Q. What is the validity of a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate?
A PUC certificate for a petrol vehicle is valid for one year. For diesel vehicles, it is valid for six months. PUC certificates can be obtained at authorised testing centres across Chandigarh.
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