RTO introduces instant special permit for yellow board vehicles

In a major relief for yellow board vehicle owners, the Karnataka RTO has simplified the process of obtaining a special permit for inter-state travel. Previously, vehicle owners or drivers had to visit the Bengaluru central office with original documents, often waiting for two to three days to secure the permit.

This process caused delays and added expenses, with allegations of bribery also surfacing. Now, the transport department has implemented a faster solution using the Vahan-4 app. Owners can upload their vehicle details through the app, and if all documents are verified, they will receive the permit within ten seconds. The new system significantly reduces both time and cost, as the permit fee is fixed at ₹2,000. Earlier, obtaining permits through officials cost up to ₹1,000 in additional charges. For years, private transport unions had been demanding reforms, and their persistent efforts have finally paid off. The new system will benefit thousands of vehicle owners who frequently travel across state borders for business and tourism.

With implementation beginning this week, the transport department aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and ease of business in the sector. This move is expected to bring significant convenience to transport operators, especially those traveling between Karnataka and neighboring states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. By eliminating the need for physical visits to the RTO office, vehicle owners can save valuable time and avoid bureaucratic hurdles. Moreover, the digitized process ensures greater transparency, reducing instances of corruption and middlemen interference.