Rajasthan RTO’s New Policy: Out-of-State Car Buyers Lose COD Benefit, Showroom Practices Raise Concerns

Is it a pro-local move or a well-calculated game behind closed doors?

The Rajasthan RTO has recently implemented a controversial policy that has left car buyers frustrated and confused. As per the new rule, if you buy a new car from outside Rajasthan, you will not get the benefit of the COD (Certificate of Deposit) on scrapping your old vehicle. However, if you purchase the car from an authorized showroom within the state, you will be eligible for the COD benefit.

A Policy That Raises Questions

While the government may justify this move as an effort to promote in-state purchases and support local businesses, many consumers see it differently. The policy appears to restrict buyer freedom and limits the ability to explore better deals available in other states.

Customers who earlier benefited from competitive pricing, better availability, or specific variants outside Rajasthan are now forced to reconsider their decisions—purely due to the loss of the COD financial advantage.

Showrooms Cashing In?

Following the implementation of this policy, multiple reports from buyers suggest that some showrooms within Rajasthan have started increasing the cost associated with COD certificates.

Not only that, there is a growing trend of forced or aggressive cross-selling. Customers are being pushed to purchase:

Accessories they may not need
Extended warranties
Insurance packages
Additional add-ons

This creates unnecessary financial pressure on buyers, reducing transparency in the purchase process.

To make matters worse, several dealerships are facing vehicle shortages. Popular models are either unavailable or come with long waiting periods. Despite this, pricing remains high, and customer experience continues to decline.

Is There a Bigger Game?

This situation has led to speculation among buyers and industry insiders. Questions are being raised about whether this policy truly serves the public interest—or if it benefits a select group.

There is growing concern about:

Possible coordination between large showroom owners and authorities
Hidden financial interests
Unfair advantages to certain market players

While no official evidence confirms these claims, the lack of transparency is fueling distrust among consumers.

What Should Buyers Do?

In the current scenario, car buyers need to be more cautious than ever. It is advisable to:

Conduct thorough market research before purchasing
Compare prices across multiple dealers
Avoid unnecessary add-ons or pressure tactics
Seek clear information about COD eligibility and charges
Raise concerns with authorities if practices seem unfair
Conclusion

A fair policy should empower consumers, not restrict their choices. While supporting local businesses is important, it should not come at the cost of transparency, competition, and customer freedom.

The voices of car buyers matter—and it is essential that policies are designed with fairness, clarity, and public interest at their core.