RTOs in Tamil Nadu 

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The Transport Commissionerate and State Transport Authority of Tamil Nadu is responsible for enforcing all traffic related rules throughout the state. This department oversees all the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in the state. Apart from strictly enforcing the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, the RTOs also engage in various other activities like tax collection, road safety promotion, etc. If you are living in Tamil Nadu, you have to visit the nearest RTO for any vehicle-related service you wish to have. 

Functions of Tamil Nadu RTOs 

RTOs have very specific duties irrespective of the state in which they are located. Tamil Nadu RTOs take care of all vehicle-related services for people living in the state. Some of the primary duties of these offices are listed as follows: 

• Issue of license: Individuals who wish to drive must have a driving license. RTOs issue licenses to individuals after testing their knowledge about road traffic and driving skills. There are tests conducted by the RTOs to assess the capabilities of drivers. In addition to issuing licenses, RTOs also enforce this rule and penalise those who drive their motor vehicles without a valid driving license. 
• Registration of vehicles: Motor vehicles that are being driven on Indian roads must be registered with the RTOs. Following their registration, these vehicles will have a unique number assigned. These numbers must be displayed on the vehicles all the time without fail. RTOs in a particular state are responsible for the registration of vehicles and maintenance of database with vehicle information. 
• Enforcement of Motor Vehicles Act: RTOs in a state are responsible for the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. This act is formulated by the government to establish a framework for road safety guidelines in India. By enforcing this act, the RTOs promote road safety among the general public. 
• Tax collection: RTOs also engage in tax collection from the general public when they own vehicles. The road tax is mandatory for all vehicle owners in India. As of now, road tax must be paid once as a lifetime tax for all new vehicles. In addition to collecting taxes, RTOs also collect fines from those who violate the traffic rules. 
• Vehicle permits: In addition to their registration certificates, transportation and commercial vehicles must have vehicle permits for certain activities. For instance, a national permit allows trucks and lorries to transport goods throughout India. RTOs assess these vehicles and issue vehicle permits when necessary. 
• Vehicle fitness: Vehicles that are old must be assessed periodically for their fitness. RTOs check the vehicle for their road fitness and certify them accordingly. It is mandatory for vehicles over a certain age to have fitness certificate. This is important for commercial and transportation vehicles. 
• Pollution control: The pollution output from a vehicle must be kept under check. RTOs check vehicles for their emission and issue the Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. Vehicles that do not comply to these norms must be serviced properly to bring the emissions down. 
• No objection certificate: If you are taking your vehicle while moving to a new state, you need to have a no objection certificate from the home RTO. Once you have this, you can re-register your vehicle in the new state. This certificate is valid for a period of one year. 
• Road safety programs: RTOs also periodically conduct road safety programs to educate the general public on road safety rules. These programs help people understand various road safety guidelines and follow them accordingly. 

List of RTOs in Tamil Nadu  

Things to note 

If you wish to avail the services of the RTO, you need to visit the nearest RTO in your jurisdiction. It is not possible to select these RTO offices randomly. For many of the routine tasks, RTOs have now computerised their services. For instance, it is now possible to schedule your learner’s license test online and appear just for the exam. Similar services can be availed for license renewal, personal details modification, etc. You may visit the state Transport Department’s official website (https://tnsta.gov.in/) to get more details about the required services.