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It is mandatory to register motor vehicles before driving them1, and after getting your vehicle registered, you will receive a Registration Certificate (RC) (( Section 41, The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.)). It is mandatory to carry the original copy or electronic copy of the RC and to display a registration mark on your vehicle2.
If you drive or allow a motor vehicle to be driven without registration, you can be punished with a fine between Rs. 2,000 to 5,000 for the first offence, and with jail time of up to 1 year, or a fine between Rs. 5,000 and 10,000, or both, for any subsequent offence3. The applicable fine amount might vary across states.
You cannot be fined for not having the Registration Certificate only for the following reasons4:
- Conveyance of persons suffering from sickness or injuries
- Transport of food or materials to relieve distress or of medical supplies
However, you must inform the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state within 7 days that you are using a motor vehicle for the two reasons given above, otherwise you can be fined.
Given below are the fine amounts for two states:
| State | Frequency of Offence | Fine Amount (In INR) |
| Delhi | First offence | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Any subsequent offence | 5,000 – 10,000 | |
| Karnataka | Two/Three-Wheeler | 2,000 |
| Light Motor Vehicle
|
3,000 | |
| Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Others | 5,000 |
Arvind Kumar
September 16, 2022
Help
Nyaaya
September 19, 2022
Hi, how may we help you?
Sk Shahid Ali
September 20, 2024
जी किया फिटनेस सर्टिफिकेट फैल होने पर मोटर वाहन ऑफिसर मेरे वाहन को detente कर सकते है ?
Kapil
November 14, 2024
We have sold our vehicle in 2017. We have delivery note of buyer. But buyer has not changed registration and is still being used on my name. This registration has expired in 2023.
I got a call from a person who is requesting me to Co operate to re registration and than transfer to his name.
Please advice whether to provide details for re registration?
Elijah Maina
August 1, 2023
With out registration motor bike fine
Somya
February 9, 2024
Hi, I have purchased a car on lease in Aug 2023. Due to the non-compliance on the side of leasing company, the registration of car has been on hold since August onwards. I have already paid all the taxes and charges and also have all the proofs. I have also received the number plate.
Is it okay to drive the car or is it illegal to drive without the rc smart card??
Alka Manral
April 30, 2024
In India, it is illegal to drive a vehicle without a valid Registration Certificate (RC) smart card. While you may have paid all taxes and charges and have received the number plate, without the RC smart card, the vehicle is technically not considered legally registered. The RC proves that the vehicle is registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Under Rule 139 of the Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, it is mandatory to carry an original / electronic copy of the RC and display a registration mark on the vehicle. Non-compliance attracts a fine between Rs. 2,000 to 5,000 for the first offence and with jail time of up to 1 year, or a fine between Rs. 5,000 and 10,000, or both, for any subsequent offence [under Section 192 (1), MVA, 1988].
Given your situation where the registration process has been delayed due to non-compliance on the part of the leasing company, it’s important to follow-up with the company and ensure that they fulfill their obligations by completing the registration process promptly.
Alka Manral
May 21, 2024
In India, it is illegal to drive a vehicle without a valid Registration Certificate (RC) smart card. While you may have paid all taxes and charges and have received the number plate, without the RC smart card, the vehicle is technically not considered legally registered. The RC proves that the vehicle is registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Under Rule 139 of the Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, it is mandatory to carry an original / electronic copy of the RC and display a registration mark on the vehicle. Non-compliance attracts a fine between Rs. 2,000 to 5,000 for the first offence and with jail time of up to 1 year, or a fine between Rs. 5,000 and 10,000, or both, for any subsequent offence [under Section 192 (1), MVA, 1988]. —
Given your situation where the registration process has been delayed due to non-compliance on the part of the leasing company, it’s important to follow-up with the company and ensure that they fulfill their obligations by completing the registration process promptly.
Sikha
December 7, 2024
In India, it is illegal to drive a vehicle without a valid Registration Certificate (RC) smart card. While you may have paid all taxes and charges and have received the number plate, without the RC smart card, the vehicle is technically not considered legally registered. The RC proves that the vehicle is registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Under Rule 139 of the Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, it is mandatory to carry an original / electronic copy of the RC and display a registration mark on the vehicle. Non-compliance attracts a fine between Rs. 2,000 to 5,000 for the first offence and with jail time of up to 1 year, or a fine between Rs. 5,000 and 10,000, or both, for any subsequent offence [under Section 192 (1), MVA, 1988].
Given your situation where the registration process has been delayed due to non-compliance on the part of the leasing company, it’s important to follow-up with the company and ensure that they fulfill their obligations by completing the registration process promptly.
Dinaz Muncherji
February 16, 2024
I am Chairperson of a Residential society, a resident is parking a four wheeler inside the society premises since last 2 to 3 months and it does not have any registration plate. What action can be taken by the society
Alka Manral
May 21, 2024
The first step to take in this situation is to go through the by-laws of the residential society. Typically, the by-laws have provisions regarding parking and registration within the society. A formal notice can be drafted by the society board, clearly highlighting the violation of rules as an unregistered vehicle. A specific timeline for compliance should be laid down, after which fines and penalties may be imposed according to the society’s by-laws.
It is possible that the 4 wheeler is a second vehicle being parked by the resident, apart from the parking privileges already allowed to them. If so, then they need permission from the Managing Committee of the society and pay a fee for the additional parking space. Such Managing Committees are mandated by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority, and must be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
Venkat sai
August 7, 2024
I took my bike in 2018 and have not registered it till 2024 due my financial situation I have the paper of the bike with me can I register it now and what will be the charges
Sikha
December 7, 2024
The first step to take in this situation is to go through the by-laws of the residential society. Typically, the by-laws have provisions regarding parking and registration within the society. A formal notice can be drafted by the society board, clearly highlighting the violation of rules as an unregistered vehicle. A specific timeline for compliance should be laid down, after which fines and penalties may be imposed according to the society’s by-laws.
It is possible that the 4 wheeler is a second vehicle being parked by the resident, apart from the parking privileges already allowed to them. If so, then they need permission from the Managing Committee of the society and pay a fee for the additional parking space. Such Managing Committees are mandated by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority, and must be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.