Is It Legal to Drive a Self-Drive Cab in Every City? (Short Answer: Mostly, Yes)

So last month, I was in Bhopal for a family function. I didn’t want to bug anyone for rides, and autos were charging crazy amounts just for short trips. I thought—why not just get a car for myself? A self-drive cab in Bhopal sounded like a cool idea. No driver, no awkward silences, no waiting.

But then I had this mini panic moment. Is it even legal to drive a rented car in every city? Like, what if I get pulled over and they ask questions I don’t know how to answer?

Here’s what I figured out (after some Googling and pestering the rental guy): yes, it’s legal. Self-drive cars are allowed in pretty much every Indian city—as long as the car is registered for commercial use (those yellow number plates). If you’re going for a car on rent in Bhopal, make sure the company is legit and gives you all the paperwork: insurance, RC, and any permits if you’re crossing into another state.

Honestly, driving around Bhopal on my own was a breeze. Wide roads, chill traffic (well, except for that one jam near New Market), and the freedom to go where I wanted without explaining anything to anyone. I even took a random drive to Bhojpur just because I could.

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The only small hiccup? I didn’t ask about fuel beforehand. Some rentals are fuel-included, some aren’t—so check that, or you’ll end up arguing with your GPS and a petrol pump guy at 10 PM.

Anyway, long story short: if you’re thinking of taking a self-drive cab in Bhopal or anywhere else in India, you’re probably fine. Just book from a known company, carry your license, and don’t drive like you're in a Fast & Furious movie.