With the start of 2026, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced several sweeping changes aimed at road safety, digital transparency, and environmental protection. Whether you are applying for a new driving license or managing an old vehicle, these updates will affect you directly. Below is our comprehensive guide to the latest RTO updates as of January 2026 . 1. Safety Mandates: The ABS & Airbag Revolution The government has prioritized passenger safety with two major hardware mandates that went into effect on January 1, 2026 . Mandatory ABS for All Two-Wheelers: Previously required only for bikes above 125cc, Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) are now mandatory for every new two-wheeler manufactured in 2026 , including 100cc and 110cc entry-level models. This is expected to reduce skidding accidents significantly. 6-Airbag Standard: Most new passenger car variants are now required to offer 6 airbags as standard. This move aims to ensure "Safety for All," regardless of the vehicle's cost or segment. 2. Driving License (Sarathi) Updates: Move to Contactless The process for obtaining and renewing a Driving License (DL) has become almost entirely digital in 2026. RTO Test Exemption: If you complete your training at a Government-Accredited Private Driving Training Centre , you are no longer required to take the physical driving test at the RTO. Your training certificate is sufficient for the issuance of a DL. Mandatory Mobile Linking: All DL holders must now have their mobile numbers linked to their Aadhaar via the Parivahan portal. Without this, you cannot access "Faceless Services" like address changes or DL renewals. Aadhaar-Based Authentication: Over 20+ license-related services are now "Faceless," meaning you never have to visit an RTO office if your Aadhaar details match your DL records. 3. Vehicle Registration (Vahan) & Scrappage 2026 To clean up Indian roads, the Vehicle Scrappage Policy has entered a strict enforcement phase this year. Automated Fitness Testing (ATS): Manual fitness checks are being phased out. All commercial vehicles (older than 10 years) and private vehicles (older than 15 years) must pass a test at an Automated Testing Station to stay on the road. Scrappage Incentives: Scrapping your 15-year-old car now brings massive benefits: 25% Road Tax Rebate on your next vehicle purchase. Registration Fee Waiver for the new vehicle. Scrap Value equivalent to 4–6% of the new car's ex-showroom price.

25% Road Tax Rebate on your next vehicle purchase. Registration Fee Waiver for the new vehicle. Scrap Value equivalent to 4–6% of the new car's ex-showroom price. BH Series Expansion: More private-sector employees are now eligible for the Bharat (BH) Series registration, which allows for seamless relocation across states without re-registering the vehicle. 4. Digital Enforcement: mParivahan & e-Challan 2.0 The 2026 version of the mParivahan app and e-Challan system are now more integrated than ever. Virtual Document Sharing: You can now "digitally share" your Virtual RC with family members through the app, making it legal for them to show the document to traffic police on their own devices. Insurance-Challan Linkage: In a new move for 2026, unpaid "Blacklisted" challans may now prevent you from renewing your vehicle insurance until the fines are cleared. PUCC 2.0: Pollution Under Control Certificates are now updated in real-time. If your PUCC expires, you will receive an automated SMS alert, and failure to renew within 7 days may result in an automated e-Challan. Summary of 2026 RTO Fees Q: Is it mandatory to scrap my 15-year-old car? No, it is not mandatory unless it fails the Automated Fitness Test. If it passes, you can renew the RC for another 5 years by paying the revised green tax. Q: Can I drive a BH-series vehicle if I am not a government employee? Yes, if you work for a private company that has offices in at least four or more States/UTs. Q: How do I update my mobile number on the Parivahan portal? Visit the official parivahan.gov.in website, select "Online Services" → "Vehicle Related Services," choose your state, and look for the "Update Mobile Number" option under the Services menu. Disclaimer : Parivahansewas.com is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with any Rights agency.we provide information about the Parivahan Sewa Portal for your convenience. © 2026 Parivahan.All Rights Reserved.