Yes, you can register a left-hand drive (LHD) car in India, but the process is complex, expensive, and subject to strict regulations. It is generally only permitted for specific categories, primarily cars imported as part of a personal transfer of residence by returning Indian citizens or foreign nationals on a long-term visa. The vehicle must meet all Indian Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) standards, including homologation (type approval), and you will face significant import duties, often exceeding 100% of the car's value. For the vast majority of drivers, purchasing a right-hand drive (RHD) model designed for the Indian market is a far more practical and cost-effective solution.
The primary gateway for LHD registration is through the personal import route. The rules are stringent: you typically must have owned and used the car abroad for at least one year prior to relocation. The vehicle cannot be sold in India for a specified period, usually one to two years, to prevent commercial importation under the guise of personal use. The most significant financial hurdle is the Customs Duty, which can be broken down as follows for a typical passenger car:
| Import Duty Component | Approximate Rate | Notes |
|---|
| Basic Customs Duty (BCD) | 100% | Applied to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of the vehicle. |
| Social Welfare Surcharge | 10% | Applied on the value of the BCD. |
| Integrated Goods & Services Tax (IGST) | 28% | Applied on the CIF value plus the BCD. |
| Compensation Cess | Varies (e.g., 20%) | Based on engine size/type; an additional cess on top of IGST. |
Beyond customs, the car must undergo a rigorous homologation process with agencies like the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) or the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT). This involves testing to ensure the vehicle complies with Indian emission standards (currently BS6 Phase 2), safety norms, and roadworthiness. Modifications, such as adjusting headlight beam patterns for RHD traffic, may be mandated.
The final step is registration with the local Regional Transport Office (RTO). This requires submitting all import documents, customs clearance certificates, homologation reports, and payment receipts. The RTO will assign a unique registration number, but the car will always be flagged as an imported LHD vehicle. Given this labyrinth of regulations and costs, importing a LHD car is only feasible for high-value, sentimental, or classic cars where cost is a secondary concern.
