Kargil is a city in the Union Territory of Ladakh and the 2nd largest city in Ladakh after Leh. Situated on the bank of the Suru River, it is 204 Km east of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. Due to its proximity to the Line of Control, Kargil witnesses several conflicts between India and Pakistan. 

The RTO of Kargil (LA-01) regulates services related to the transport system under the Motor Vehicles Act of India.

Some of the services offered by Kargil RTO are:

• Provide motor vehicle permits 

• Issue conductor licence

• Provide PUC certificates

• Provide NOC for vehicle 

• Renew driving licence

• Transfer Vehicle Ownership

• Arrange international driving licence

• Carry vehicle registration transfer

Under Section 213 (1) of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, Kargil RTO issues different types of driving licence. These include:

• Learner’s Licence

• Permanent Driving Licence

• Commercial Driving Licence

• International Driving Licence

Vehicle registration is the most important thing to apply immediately after buying a vehicle. There are two types of vehicle registration certificate available in Kargil, such as:

• Temporary Registration 

• Permanent Registration

Once RTO officials verify the vehicle registration documents, they issue a unique registration number to the applicant. Moreover, one must carry a soft or hard copy of a registration certificate while driving in Kargil.

Vehicle registration imposes several charges on the applicants. A few of these charges of Kargil RTO include:

• Temporary Registration Charges (for one month): ₹1500 to ₹2500

• Registration Charges (for every car): ₹600

• Hypothecation Charges (if purchased on loan): ₹1500

• Number Plate Charges (as well as HSRP Number Plate): ₹230 to ₹400

• Parking charges or State Development Charges: ₹2000 to ₹4000 

• FasTag Charges: ₹500 to ₹600

The Transport Department of the Union Territory of Kargil levies tax on vehicle owners to maintain and improve road conditions. As per the Notification of 26 March 2021, the road taxes of Kargil include the following:

• Two-wheelers Under ₹2 Lakhs: 3% of the value of the vehicle excluding GST (One Time Tax)

• All Motor Vehicles Under ₹10 Lakhs: 6% of the value of the vehicle excluding GST (One Time Tax)

• All Motor Vehicles Over ₹10 Lakhs: 9% of the value of the vehicle excluding GST (One Time Tax)

If one does not follow the traffic rules while driving, there will be consequences leading to traffic fines in Kargil. These include:

• Driving without a Seat Belt: ₹1000 

• Riding without a Helmet: ₹1000 

• Rash Driving: ₹5000 (for the first time) and ₹10000 (for subsequent offence)

• Triple Riding on Two-wheeler: ₹1000

• Minor Driving Vehicle: ₹25000

• Racing: ₹5000 (for the first time) and ₹10000 (for subsequent offence)

• Carrying Explosive or Inflammable Substances: ₹10000

• Driving without a Number Plate: ₹500 (for the first time) and ₹1500 (for subsequent offence)

• Drunk Driving: ₹10000

Yes, it is mandatory to have motor insurance while driving a vehicle in Kargil. If found otherwise, it would attract a ₹2000 fine for not carrying insurance along with imprisonment and community services.

According to a recent report, The Srinagar-Kargil road is closed for traffic movement due to fresh snowfall at the Zojila Pass. Another report suggests Sonamarg-Kargil is open for passenger vehicles after remaining closed for 11 days.

Another news confirms Srinagar-Kargil Road and Mughal Road are closed due to inclement weather. This has resulted in traffic disruption on Srinagar-Jammu Highway as well. In addition, another report says Kargil Chawk witnesses a rampant violation of traffic rules, such as jumping traffic signals, over-speeding etc., posing a threat of road accidents.