Different States

Moving from one state to another with your car for a long period of time? Here is a guide to help you negotiate the maze that is our vehicular legislation.

- Anosh Khumbatta

THE LARGEST DEMOCRACY in the world is also one of the fastest growing automobile markets in the world. It is home to over 30 states and union territories, each with its own legislation with relation to owning and driving a vehicle. A resident of India who possesses a valid driving licence can drive anywhere in the country, but there are restrictions in place that hamper the use of one’s vehicle away from the home state where the vehicle is originally registered. These days one can pay a lifetime road tax when buying a new vehicle, but this is only valid in the original state of registration, and if one plans to move to another with the same car, the tax paid will not be valid in that state. Although this does not make much sense to us, it is the law, and we’re going to try and decode the rules that govern driving in and transferring a vehicle to a different state.

First and foremost, you must know how long you plan to keep your vehicle in another state. If you are just driving through or staying for less than a month, there is hardly any issue. The usual documents must be carried at all times, though, irrespective of the state; these include the vehicle’s registration certificate in booklet or smart card form, insurance papers and a valid pollution-under-control (PUC) certificate. When driving across state borders, retain the toll booth receipts along the way as this is the only proof of when the vehicle entered that state.