The camper vans are vehicles that have built-in living facilities; basically, they consist of seats and a table, sleeping space, a cooking setup, and storage cabinets. The RTO rules for them are as per the MVA of 1988. They are mainly of two types: first for private use and second for commercial use. The RTO rules for both are different from each other.
The rules for camper vans also depend on whether you are buying a factory-built camper van or want to modify an existing van into a camper van. In both cases, RTO rules apply to both private and commercial vehicles, but they are different from one another. By reading this article, you will be able to understand the RTO rules for camper vans in India better.
RTO Rules for Camper Vans in India
RTO rules for camper vans are different from those for private and commercial vehicles. The rules also depend on whether you are buying a new factory-built camper van or modifying an already existing van into a camper.
Let us first understand the RTO (regional traffic office) rules for factory-built camper vans for private and commercial use.
RTO rules Factory-built camper van for private use:
- Registration & Classification: You will have to get it registered as a non-transport vehicle in the nearest RTO. Keep in mind that its RC category will be Camper Van Motor Caravan, and it does not require any route permit.
- License & Usage: If your vehicle weight is less than 3.5 tons, then you will need an LMV license, and if we talk about its usage, then you can use it for personal travel, family trips, long-term touring, and overnight stays.
- Number Plate & Insurance Policy: You will need to get a white number plate with black text and take a private vehicle insurance policy.
- Fitness & Inspection: Unlike private cars, there will be no need for a fitness test every year, but normal pollution checks will remain required forever.
- Tax & Charges: You will have to pay a one-time road tax as per the private car category and standard registration fees charges, both of which need to be paid during registration at the RTO; only then will you get the RC.
RTO rules Factory-built camper van for commercial use:
- Registration & Classification: You will have to get it registered as a transport vehicle in the nearest RTO, whose RC (registration certificate) category will be Tourist Motor Caravan / Camper, and it is mandatory to obtain a tourist/commercial permit.
- License & Usage: If you are going to drive this vehicle yourself, then you must have a commercial or transport driving license, and if you hire a driver, then he must have the relevant DL. Talking about its use, it can be used for rental business, tourist transport, caravan tourism services, and corporate travel rentals.
- Number Plate & Insurance Policy: For vehicles used for commercial purposes, the number plate is yellow in color with black text on it. The insurance cover for this is commercial vehicle insurance.
- Fitness & Inspection: For using a commercial vehicle on public roads, it is necessary that it have a fitness certificate, which is renewed every year, so make sure to take care of the renewal.
- Tax & Charges: You will have to pay commercial road tax during registration, which is much higher than private road tax; charges for obtaining a permit for commercial use have to be deposited; and apart from this, periodic state tax has to be paid, which depends on the state.
What about modifying an existing van to a camper?
If you already have a vehicle and want to modify it into a camper, then you have to follow the RTO rules, which are completely different for private and commercial use. Below, we have provided the details for both for your convenience.
Private Use:
- You’ll need to obtain RTO approval before making the modification, and the modification itself will need to be done by an approved body modifier. If you seek approval directly from the RTO, the RTO will most likely reject it.
- You’ll need to update your vehicle’s body type to Motor Caravan, Camper Van, or Special Purpose Vehicle on your RC (registration certificate). If your RC still contains the same body details as before the modification, the modification will be considered illegal.
- Tax will remain the same as for a private vehicle, and you will not need any additional permits.
- If even after modification the weight of your vehicle does not exceed 3.5 tonnes, then you will not need any changes in your driving license if it is already an LMV DL.
- It is important to inform your insurance company about the modification, as failure to do so may result in rejection of your claim if an accident unfortunately occurs.
Commercial Use:
- You will have to get the modification done by an RTO-approved fabricator or a certified motor body builder. Keep in mind that in the case of DIY setups, your modification approval may be rejected, as the rules for modification for commercial use are a little more strict than private ones.
- If you want to get the body status of your vehicle changed to Tourist Motor Caravan or Transport Vehicle in the RC (i.e., registration certificate), then you may have to pay a big charge if, before the modification, your option was for private use.
- To get the modification done for commercial use, it is necessary that you have a tourist vehicle permit, commercial registration, and a yellow number plate.
- You will also have to pay commercial road tax, permit fees, and passenger/tourism tax. Your vehicle will undergo initial inspection after the notification, and then periodic renewal will also have to be ensured.
- To use the vehicle for commercial use, it is mandatory for the driver to have a commercial/transport license, and you will also have to have a fire extinguisher, emergency exit, and proper seat layout in your vehicle.
Apart from the above-mentioned RTO, it is necessary to follow all traffic rules for your camper van, whether it is factory-built or modified, and you are going to use it for private or commercial purposes. Note that breaking these RTO rules will inevitably result in a penalty.
