Located in the northeastern part of Karnataka, Bidar is known for its architectural and historical significance. Its rich heritage has helped the city make its place in the Archaeological Map of India. The tourism industry adds to the economy of the city, along with Bidri handicraft products. There are three RTOs in Bidar bearing the codes KA 38, KA 39, and KA 56.  They ensure that residents get services related to vehicles and traffic.

Bidar RTO offices are evenly distributed to look after the residents across the city. They maintain smooth traffic movement and reduce road accidents. Here are some of the most important functions of Bidar RTO.

• Registers all vehicles 

• Issues and renews Registration Certificates (RCs)

• Changes address on the RC

• Provides driving licences (DLs) 

• Grants vehicle permits

• Provides vehicle fitness certificate following detailed vehicle inspection 

• Checks pollution levels and provides Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates

• Collects road taxes and traffic fines 

• Conducts road safety campaigns 

You must get a driving Licence (DL) issued from the RTO to be able to drive legally on the streets of India. In Bidar, the RTO offices conduct driving tests and provide DLs once you pass them. Here are the types of driving licences you can get in Bidar.

• Learner’s Licence

• Temporary Licence 

• Permanent Licence 

• International Licence

Registering your vehicle is the first step you should take after purchasing it. The RTOs have the role of registering different kinds of vehicles and providing an RC. With this, you can get a valid number plate for your vehicle. Here are the two categories of vehicle registration done in Bidar RTOs.

• Temporary registration 

• Permanent registration

The process of registering a vehicle is not free of cost. Every vehicle owner must pay registration charges to the respective RTOs while applying for registration. Here are the registration charges you need to pay for different kinds of vehicles. 

• Two-wheelers: ₹300

• Three-wheelers: ₹600 for non-transport and ₹1000 for transport 

• Four-wheelers and LMVs: ₹600 for non-transport and ₹1000 for transport

• Medium goods vehicles: ₹1000

• Heavy goods vehicles: ₹1500

• Imported vehicles: ₹2500-₹5000

• Other vehicles: ₹3000

Apart from that, you might have to pay ₹230-₹400 for vehicle number plates.

Every resident of Bidar must pay road taxes if they own a vehicle. Bidar RTOs are responsible for collecting taxes, and there can be severe consequences for those who do not submit their taxes. The structure of the Karnataka road tax is followed here. Let's look at the road tax you must pay in Bidar.

Two-wheelers

• 4% for electric vehicles

• 10% of the price of new vehicles (less than ₹50000)

• 12% of the price of new vehicles (more than ₹50000)

• 73%-93% for vehicles less than five years old 

• 25%-69% for vehicles up to 5-15 years old

Four-wheelers

• 4% for electric vehicles

• 13%-17% of the price of new vehicles (less than ₹5-₹20 lakh)

• 18% of the price for new vehicles (more than ₹20 lakh)

• 75%-93% for vehicles less than five years old 

• 25%-69% for vehicles up to 5-15 years old

Following the traffic rules in any part of India is mandatory, and Bidar is no exception. The RTOs here are responsible for ensuring this by monitoring the movement of cars. If you violate traffic rules, you will face fines and penalties. Bidar RTOs follow the standards of Karnataka traffic fines. Here is a glimpse of some traffic fines you can face in Bidar.

• Rash driving: ₹1000

• Driving without a valid DL: ₹1000 for two-wheelers and three-wheelers, ₹2000 for four-wheelers and ₹5000 for other vehicles

• Breaking speed limit: ₹1000 for two-wheelers and four-wheelers, ₹2000 for other vehicles 

• Using a mobile phone while driving: ₹1500 for two-wheelers and three-wheelers, ₹3000 for four-wheelers and ₹5000 for other vehicles, ₹10000 for a repeated offence 

• Driving without a valid number plate: ₹2000 for two-wheelers and three-wheelers, ₹3000 for four-wheelers and ₹5000 for other vehicles

• Drunken driving: ₹10000 and/or a prison sentence of six months for the first offence, ₹15000 and/or a prison sentence of two years for repeat offenders

• Driving without a valid permit: ₹5000 for the first offence, ₹10000 for repeat offenders

Yes, as per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, it is mandatory to have a motor insurance. Bidar RTOs are strict to ensure that every vehicle owner has a vehicle insurance policy covering at least third-party damages. If you do not have insurance, the traffic authorities can charge a fine of ₹1000 for two-wheelers and three-wheelers and about ₹2000 for four-wheelers. 

Bidar sometimes faces heavy traffic issues, especially during peak hours. According to a report, the local government has planned to implement a ‘Pay and Park’ facility in Bidar to get rid of the heavy traffic issues. The officials of the city municipal council believe that if people start parking their vehicles in select areas, the traffic congestion issues will reduce. 

There have also been concerns regarding road accidents. According to recent data, the High Court of Karnataka warned the state government of Bidar regarding its poor road conditions and passed orders for their improvement. Among others, the news of a fatal accident in the Bemalkheda village of Bidar stands out. A speeding truck hit a three-wheeler here, killing about seven women. 

However, the government is taking steps to address such issues. For instance, a report suggests that the Karnataka government plans to widen the Bidar-Ballari highway to improve road connectivity, reduce traffic and prevent road accidents.

The government is concerned with the issues of road safety and traffic congestion. Thus, there have been some efforts to reduce the same with the help of road safety campaigns. These mainly aim to enhance awareness among the residents regarding driving safely and maintaining better traffic conditions. 

• Role play to spread road safety awareness 

• Road Safety Awareness Drive

• Drive Safe Campaign