Centre Seeks Status Report From States On Implementation Of People-Friendly Services At RTOs

The Road Transport Ministry has asked all state governments and Union Territories to submit status reports on “faceless/contactless” and other people-friendly vehicle-related services including online learners’ licences and temporary registration and permanent registration for new vehicles without the need to bring the new vehicles to the RTO.

The Ministry said it has come to know that several states have not yet implemented the provisions, which were notified under the amended Motor Vehicles Act.

It has listed 19 notified rules aimed at bringing in significant relief to vehicle owners and those applying for driving licences. For example, the government has notified that one can apply for a learner's licence online and hence, there is no need to submit the form physically.

Similarly, the new rule mandates that everyone applying for learner’s licence will have to undertake mandatory video tutorial before appearing for the online test.

One new rule makes it mandatory for vehicle owners to seek prior permission to alter or retrofit any motor vehicle. Another new rule for registration says that a vehicle sold by an authorised dealer doesn’t require production before a registering authority.

Officials said the notification has also been issued for online issuance of temporary registration for new vehicles.

The ministry has also referred to a circular of 3 March 2021 asking states to provide faceless services if the vehicle owners or drivers submit their Aadhaar number.

The states have been asked to respond within 10 days.