- Bribe Fighter
- 8 years ago
- 5877 views
I did not pay Rupees Four Thousand
My out of state driving license was up for renewal. I went to the KR Puram RTO in November and was told that I can only have it renewed 30 days before expiry and that I had come too early. But they lady at the counter on the first floor was very pleasant and explained the process and listed the forms that needed to be filled and asked me to return in a week which will be within the 30 days.
Unfortunately, I was not able to go until I was two days away from expiry and knew I still can't make it. So I called an agent and asked if he could get it done for me. I thought his fee (bribe) will be less that the penalty for running over the expiry date. This agent had earlier agreed to renew a license for my colleague at Rs. 1,500 , but the following is what he told me:
1. Your DL is out of state. I will need to get a 'No objection certificate'
2. You need license for 4 wheeler and for 2 wheeler so that will cost extra
3. And you have an expired license
So you will have to pay Rs. 4000.
That amount was so atrocious that I decided to go personally, even if it will be beyond the expiry date and pay the penalty if required.
But when I reached the KR Puram RTO and went over to see the same Madam ( Apologies, I did not get her name) she explained that the above three were not of any concern.
1. A 'No Objection Certificate' is not required for private cars. It is only for commercial drivers
2. The DL will be renewed as is i.e. If the original DL included 4 wheeler and two wheeler, that is how it will be renewed and there is no additional fee
3. And finally there are 30 days of grace period after the actual expiry during which time there is no penalty
So I paid Rs. 200 for the DL renewal, Rs. 20 for the change of address and Rs. 50 for the Card.
Also, I happened to be at the RTO during lunch. The RTO employees hardly took a 15 minute lunch break. They opened up their boxes, ate their lunch and came right back to their desks. I was very impressed with the Madam and how she ran her team.
So here I am with my acknowledgement card, expecting to receive the renewed licence in the mail in 30 days! Congratulations KR Puram RTO!