Can I drive my car: RC renewal pending, registrations closed

I do have an acknowledgement slip with the RTO seal and signature of the official.

BHPian NavBHP recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I submitted my RC renewal forms at the RTO a month ago, and there's half a month until the registration expires. The fitness test went fine (shown as "Verify: Complete" in the attached screenshot taken from vahan.parivahan.gov.in). There is an "Approve" status shown as "Not started". This is at an RTO in Bangalore.

When I submitted the file, I was given a pink coloured slip which is titled "sweekrithi patra" (acknowledgement slip). It has the RTO seal and scribbled signature of the official who gave it.

Three questions:

• Temporarily, I have my RC photocopy. But if I don't receive my renewed RC before the expiry date, is it legal to continue using my vehicle?
• Would a traffic cop or any other authority accept a photocopy of the pink acknowledgement slip as evidence that the RC is under the process of renewal?
• Is there anything you needed to do when your RC approval was pending like this? Did it help to call up or to visit the RTO and request them to get it processed quickly?

Here's what BHPian aargee had to say on the matter:

• Technically no, practically yes. If the RC was not renewed on time (even if you followed multiple times), it's not your fault
• Yes
• I don't know how RTO in KA works, but, most jobs here in TN 09, 07, 18, 21, 12, 13, 01 etc works well if the requests are legitimate. Visiting RTO multiple times will help obtain many excuses that can be passed to the traffic police.

If you're very serious about the documentation to abide by the law, visiting an "agent" helps expedite the process. But visiting an "agent" makes the law-abiding process an oxymoron.

I've only two things to say:

1. No matter what, we cannot talk rules to a "determined" traffic police
2. In this country, Gandhiji still lives & is the most powerful instrumental in making/breaking any deals.

Here's what BHPian gkveda had to say on the matter:

According to my knowledge,

• Your vehicle registration ends only after 15 days. Hence, currently, it is legally right to drive the vehicle for 15 more days
• Application Status says verification complete. This means all verification of documents and car condition is complete. So, the next step is, they have to issue the registration certificate. Now, What is the accepted timeline by RTO to issue RC? If it falls before your RC expiry date, then they are responsible to print and delivering it before the RC expiry date. If not delivered, at least the system should be updated with the status as "Registered". If it is delayed due to any reason beyond 15 days, it is not your fault. But in my experience, the system will be updated with the right status within the committed dates.

Let us assume, the expected date of delivery lies beyond the expiry date. In this case, you can not drive the car from the expiry date till the new card receipt.

Coming to clause chapter IV, your vehicle RC is not cancelled or suspended. It is expired and you are applying for renewal. Hence, in my view, this clause is not applicable to your car.

Here's what BHPian anjan_c2007 had to say on the matter:

If the fitness test for renewal of RC is successfully through the papers usually take time to get processed and for the renewed RC smart card to reach the owner. In Maharashtra, they charge a fee payable for speed posts too. It is common knowledge that the RTO offices work at their own pace.

You must be having the receipt for payment of fitness fees with you and you say that your motor vehicle has been successful through the fitness test. Hence, legally the fitness fee payment receipt is a valid document to double up as a temporary RC to be produced before any law enforcement agency. The details of the fitness test can be known through this receipt by the law enforcers. Updation on the VAHAN site too takes time. By all means, go ahead with driving your motor vehicle and no one can stop you.

Here's what BHPian Poitive had to say on the matter:

While getting a driving license renewed had similar questions. Was told by the helpline, when the DL was held at the printing and post-stage, that one could download the Digi-locker app and get a digital version of the document, which would be legally valid. It was only verbal communication.

You might want to try that. Likely that the digital document will be available well before a physical one reaches you.

While the police in major metros are likely to be aware of digital versions, it may be a different scenario outside major cities.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.