With the increasing number of vehicles on the road, it’s crucial to have access to quick and reliable information about vehicle ownership. This necessity is not just for buying second-hand cars but also for various other scenarios where knowing a vehicle’s details is imperative. India’s RTO vehicle information system provides a solution to this need.
Introduction
In an age where transparency is key to trust, the ability to verify vehicle details with ease is a significant advantage. The Indian government recognized this and reintroduced a service that allows anyone to check vehicle owner details by number plate through a simple SMS. This service is not only a tool to prevent fraud in second-hand car sales but also a step towards greater accountability among motorists.
The SMS Service Revival
To use this revamped service, one needs to type VAHAN followed by the vehicle’s registration number (uppercase letters without spaces) and send it to 7738299899. This straightforward process can unveil a wealth of information including the vehicle owner details, car’s model, and much more within approximately one minute. However, it’s important to note that this service might not be active for all RTOs and certain vehicle registration numbers may not be in the database.
A Real-World Scenario: The Hit and Run
Imagine witnessing a vehicle collision where the driver flees the scene. With only the vehicle registration number at hand, you’re faced with the daunting task of finding the owner. Traditionally, this would involve a time-consuming visit to the Regional Transport Office (RTO). But now, there’s a better way.
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Checking Vehicle Details via SMS
What Details Can You Get?
By using the VAHAN SMS Number feature, you can acquire crucial information regarding any vehicle. Here’s what you need to know:
Owner’s Name: Discover who the vehicle is registered to.
Car’s Model: Understand the make and type of the vehicle.
Fuel Type: Determine whether the vehicle runs on diesel, petrol, or is electric.
Category: Know the vehicle’s classification, such as Light Motor Vehicle (LMV).
Registration Expiry: Find out when the vehicle’s registration is due for renewal.
Tax Validity: Check the validity of the motor vehicle tax.
How to Use the VAHAN SMS Service?
It’s as simple as sending an SMS in the following format:
- Type VAHAN<space>vehicle’s registration number (in uppercase letters without spaces).
- Send it to 7738299899.
You should receive the details within a minute, making it a quick and hassle-free process.
Limitations of the SMS Service
It’s important to note that this service may not be available for all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and some vehicle registration numbers may not be present in the database.
To understand more about your vehicle’s history, you can quickly Find Your Car’s Date of Manufacture Using its VIN, which is an invaluable tool for buyers and sellers alike.
Utilizing the VAHAN Website
Seamless Access to Vehicle Data
The VAHAN website, an initiative by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, provides comprehensive data about motor vehicles registered in India. It’s a centralized database that holds information fed by various District and Regional Transport Offices across the country.
How to Access Vehicle Information Online?
The process is straightforward:
- Visit the VAHAN website.
- Click on “Know your vehicle details“.
- Enter the vehicle’s registration number and the captcha code displayed.
- Hit “Search Vehicle“.
You’ll then have access to a wealth of information about the vehicle in question.
When to Check Vehicle Details?
Knowing a vehicle’s owner can be crucial in various scenarios:
- When involved in a road incident and the responsible party flees the scene.
- To verify the legitimacy of a vehicle’s documents during traffic stops.
- When buying a second-hand car, to ensure the vehicle isn’t stolen or involved in any fraud.
- To facilitate the transfer of vehicle ownership without the need for a physical NOC, thanks to the interconnectivity of RTOs via the VAHAN database.
Different Scenarios for Checking Vehicle Owner Details
For Traffic Police Checks
With the digitalization of documents, you no longer need to carry physical copies of your vehicle’s papers. Digital copies stored in DigiLockers are considered legitimate. However, traffic authorities may cross-check these details with the VAHAN website for authenticity.
When Moving Across States
Previously, obtaining a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) was necessary for vehicles moving to a different state. Now, with the VAHAN website, RTOs across India can access a vehicle’s data online, eliminating the NOC requirement.
Conclusion
Checking vehicle owner details by number plate is no longer a tedious process. Whether through a simple SMS or the VAHAN website, obtaining vehicle details by number has been streamlined for your convenience. Remember to carry essential documents while driving, as outlined in 5 Documents You Should Always Carry While Driving in India.
