RTO Alert: 5 Common Mistakes That Could Get Your Tractor Seized

A tractor in India is the most important machine for any farmer. It does everything, from ploughing the field to taking crops to the market. Still, many farmers and drivers do not know that they are breaking RTO (Regional Transport Office) rules, and this can cost them heavy fines or even legal trouble.

YOU REALLY NEED to know these rules before taking your tractor on the road, otherwise you may lose your hard-earned money.

What is the commercial use of a Tractor?

Most tractors are registered for Agricultural Use. Using them for other work is against the rules. Your tractor is considered to be in commercial use if you do things like:

• Bring bricks, sand, or stones for construction work.
• Giving the tractor on rent (carrying goods for someone else).
• Carrying people or passengers in the trolley.
• Using the tractor for any work other than farming.

Good News: You can safely harvest your own crops in your field and take them to the market under Agricultural Use, and no commercial fine will be charged.

What is the Fine for Breaking the Rules?

Breaking RTO rules can cost you more money than what you earn:

• Illegal commercial use: Fine up to ₹1 Lakh.
• Passengers: Carrying people in a trolley is illegal. You can be fined ₹2,200 per person.
• Illegal changes: Making changes to the tractor body, height, or engine without permission can lead to a fine of up to ₹1 Lakh.
• Overloading: Carrying more weight than allowed can damage the tractor frame and may even lead to seizure of the vehicle.

Important RTO Rules for Tractor Drivers

• Proper Registration: If you want to use your tractor for business work (like brick kilns), you must get Commercial Registration for both the tractor and trolley.
• Valid Driving License: You must have a valid driving license. For normal farm use, an LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) license is enough, but if the total weight goes above 7,500 kg, an HMV (Heavy Motor Vehicle) license is needed.
• Passenger Safety: Do not carry people in the trolley. It is made for goods, not for passengers.
• No Body Changes: Do not change the tractor frame or body without RTO approval.

Simple Ways to Avoid a Challan

• Carry Documents: Always keep your Driving License, RC (Registration Certificate), Insurance, and PUC (Pollution Certificate) with you.
• Use Only for Farming: Use the tractor only for farm-related work.
• Avoid Overloading: Do not carry extra people or extra weight in the trolley.
• Follow Traffic Rules: Use indicators, lights, and reflectors properly, especially at night, to avoid accidents and fines.

Conclusion

Your tractor is your biggest asset on the farm, but on the road, it is a vehicle that must follow the law. Misuse, overloading, or driving without a license can cost you a lot of money and cause serious legal trouble. To keep your farming work smooth and tension-free, it is very important to know and follow these simple rules.