The RTO Kerala (Regional Transport Office) plays a crucial role in maintaining road safety, vehicle registration, issuance of driving licenses, and enforcing transport laws. Managed by the Motor Vehicle Department Kerala (MVD Kerala), the RTO is the backbone of the state's transport operations. In this detailed guide, we'll cover everything from RTO services, online procedures, RTO codes in Kerala, how to register a vehicle, and apply for a license, to important contact details.

RTO Kerala performs various transport-related functions

• Vehicle Registration (Permanent and Temporary)
  
• Road Tax Collection
• Vehicle Fitness Certification
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certification
• Transfer of Ownership and Re-registration
• Collection of Penalties and Fines
• Permits for Transport Vehicles
  

Each RTO office in Kerala has a unique code. Here are some common ones:

Registering a new vehicle is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Here's how it works in Kerala:

• Form 20 (Application form)
• Form 21 (Sale certificate)
• Form 22 (Roadworthiness certificate)
• Insurance certificate
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
• Identity and Address proof (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
• Invoice of the vehicle
• PAN card or Form 60

Steps to Register:

• Visit the local RTO with all documents.
• Pay applicable road tax.
• Submit forms and fees.
• Vehicle inspection by RTO officer.
• Get registration certificate (RC) issued.

Step 1: Apply for Learner's License

• Visit https://parivahan.gov.in or https://mvd.kerala.gov.in
  
• Fill application form
• Upload documents (Age, ID, Address proof)
• Book a slot for Learner's Test
• Pay the fee online
• Appear for test at RTO
• Learner's License is issued

Step 2: Apply for Permanent License

• After 30 days from LL issuance
• Book DL slot online
• Appear for Driving Test
• Submit form and documents
• On successful test, DL is issued

The Kerala MVD offers several services online:

• Apply for new license or renew license
• Book slots for driving test
• Pay road tax
• Check vehicle registration status
• Transfer vehicle ownership
• Pay fines and challans
• Check e-challan status
• Download RC or DL digitally

Road tax in Kerala depends on the type and cost of the vehicle. It is a one-time payment during registration. Here's a rough idea:

• For vehicles below ₹5 lakhs - 6% of vehicle cost
• For vehicles between ₹5-10 lakhs - 8%
• Above ₹10 lakhs - 10%

RTO Kerala also collects fines for traffic rule violations. Common fines

• Driving without license - ₹5000
• Rash driving - ₹5000
  
• Drunk driving - ₹10,000

• Over-speeding - ₹1000 to ₹2000

When buying or selling a used vehicle, ownership must be officially transferred.

Documents Required:

• Form 29 & 30
• RC Book
• Address and ID proof of buyer
• Insurance certificate
• PUC
• NOC from previous RTO (if applicable)

Ownership transfer can also be initiated online via the Parivahan portal.

The RTO Kerala ensures safe and efficient transport management in the state. With the digitization of services, applying for licenses, registering vehicles, or paying fines has become much easier. Whether you're a new driver, a vehicle owner, or planning to buy/sell a vehicle, understanding the Kerala RTO system helps you stay compliant and avoid penalties. If you're living in Kerala or planning to shift, bookmark this guide for quick reference. For any service, always use the official websites and avoid middlemen.