RTO Rules for Electric Vehicles in India and All Guidelines

There has always been confusion regarding the rules and regulations governing electric vehicles in India. Constant changes are hard to keep track of. The government of India has done a fairly good job of making all the guidelines people-friendly and promoting electric vehicles instead of traditional vehicles. Here, we'll discuss some rules regarding the ownership and usage of electric vehicles.

Requirements for Car Registration

1. Address Proof (any one of the following)

   • Voter ID

   • Aadhar Card

   • Water Bill

   • Bank statement

   • Telephone Bill

   • LIC policy

   • Passport

2. Identity Proof (only one of these)

   • Aadhar Card

   • PAN Card

   • Driving Licence

   • Voter ID

Along with the requirements mentioned above, all-electric vehicles need approval from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).

Is a driver's licence necessary for EVs?

Yes, it is necessary to have a driver's licence to operate any kind of motor vehicle. EVs are no exception. Without it, it's illegal to drive your vehicle on public roads. 

However, if your EV is a two-wheeler with a maximum speed of up to 25 kmph and power of up to 250 watts, it does not require a driver's licence to operate. Students, teenagers, retirees, etc., prefer to drive these vehicles as they don't even require registration.

Is a number plate needed for EVs?

According to the regulations associated with the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, it is compulsory for all registered vehicles after 1st April 2019 to have an HSRP (High-Security Registration Plate). Only government offices can provide this registration, which helps them have a clear database of all vehicles and prevents theft.

• Private ICE vehicles have a number plate with a white background and black letters.

• Commercial ICE vehicles have a number plate with a yellow background and black letters.

• Rental ICE vehicles have a black background and a number plate with yellow lettering.

• Private EVs have a number plate with a green background and white letters.

• Commercial EVs have a number plate with a green background and yellow letters.

Electric Vehicle Registration Fee in India

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) recently exempted electric vehicles from paying fees for a registration certificate. This recent development comes as major good news for all EV owners, as they will not have to pay anything for insurance or the renewal of their electric vehicles. These changes to registration fees are expected to promote more electric vehicles in India. The government also excluded electric vehicle owners from paying road taxes. This will definitely help electric vehicle owners save money. Studies show that owning an electric vehicle can reduce your vehicle expenditure by a lot.