India's Truck Permit Rules by State (Update for 2025)

It's not only about the road if you've ever tried to move something across India.  It's all about the rules—those complicated, state-specific, red-tape jungles that may make or break a delivery.  There have been some changes to truck permits in 2025, and I have to say, they're not all good.

The All India Permit: A Good Thing or a Bad Thing?

To begin, let's talk about the All India Permit.  This golden ticket lets trucks drive across more than one state without obtaining additional permits for each one.  Doesn't that sound like a dream?  But here's the catch: it's not as easy as it looks.

The Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 say that this permit is good for at least four states, including the one where you live.  In reality, though, each state has its own set of rules.  For example, Telangana requires a ₹500 permission fee and confirmation of tax payment to the home state.  Odisha, on the other hand, offers virtual hearings for permit applications.

And don't even get me started on the paperwork.  You may require a fitness certificate, insurance, registration, and sometimes even demand drafts made out to other states.  It's like putting together a puzzle with pieces that don't quite fit.

 Interstate Lifeline: The National Permit

The National Permit is necessary for people who want to move goods between states.  But here's the thing: the age of the car is important.  It shouldn't be more than 15 years old if it has more than one axle.  The limit is 12 years for some people.

You need to fill out Forms 46 and 48 to apply.  But you might also have to pay composite taxes or green taxes, depending on where you apply.  It's a patchwork of rules that can make your head spin.

A closer look at state-specific differences 

Telangana

Telangana's method is rather straightforward.  They want proof of tax payment to the home state and a ₹500 permission charge.  But truck drivers may find it hard to deal with the demand drafts drawn in favor of other jurisdictions to pay composite taxes.

Odisha

Odisha uses a more step-by-step approach.  They hold virtual hearings for permit applications, which can be good and bad at the same time.  It saves time on one hand, but it makes things more complicated on the other.

Haryana

Haryana has put a ₹80-per-tonne tax on cars that bring minerals into the state.  This replaces the current fluctuating tariffs and is enforced by an AI-enabled surveillance system that uses QR code tracking.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra is working to reduce traffic in cities.  They're turning ancient octroi nakas into Integrated Truck Terminals, which will have parking lots and places to charge electric vehicles (EVs).  The goal of this project is to ease traffic and lower air pollution.

The Human Cost: True Stories from the Ground

 It's easy to get lost in the rules, but let's not forget the individuals who drive.  More than 1,000 trucks carrying laterite stone have been sitting still for 45 days in Dakshina Kannada because quarrying has stopped.  A lot of truck owners who bought their trucks with loans are now in a lot of financial trouble, including worrying about not being able to pay back the debts and having their trucks taken away.

These aren't just numbers; they mean a lot to people's lives. In the end, we need to be consistent.

It feels like you're attempting to make your way through a maze without being able to see when you look at the truck permit laws for each state in India.  The goal of the All India and National Permits is to make it easier to move goods between states, however the truth is that it's not that easy.  Truck drivers have a hard time because each state has its own rules, fees, and processes.

So, what's the answer?  Maybe it's time to take a more cohesive approach.  A unified framework that all states use might make it easier to move goods between states and cut down on confusion.  Until then, truck drivers would have to keep driving through this complicated area, one permit at a time.

For more articles and news, stay updated with 91trucks. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin for the latest videos and updates from the automotive world!