RTO Checkposts on State Borders – Which Category Is Correct?

[LovePathak28]

A few days ago, I posted about a place incorrectly categorized on Google Maps. Click here for Post
Today, during another round of map exploration, I noticed a similar issue related to RTO (Regional Transport Office) checkposts, especially those located at state borders.

I’ve come across various categories being used for these checkposts, such as:

State Government Office

Central Government Office

Transportation Services

Toll Road Service

Government Office

Border Crossing Station

The issue is: we don’t know which one is actually correct — or most appropriate — for these kinds of locations.

From what I understand:

State Government Office makes sense because RTOs are usually under state transport departments.

Central Government Office might be incorrect unless it’s a checkpost operated by a central authority like customs or national highways.

Transportation Services feels relevant but maybe more suitable for private or public transit service providers.

Toll Road Service seems misleading since tolls and RTOs serve very different functions.

Border Crossing Station could apply in some cases, especially for inter-state commercial vehicle checks, but still might not be precise.

This raises some questions for the community:

What category do you typically choose when mapping such checkposts?

Should Google introduce a specific category like “Vehicle Check Post” or “RTO Check Post”?

Is it better to choose a general but accurate category (like State Government Office) and then clarify the purpose in the place name or description?
@NareshDarji sir, @TusharSuradkar sir, @TravellerG sir, @JanVanHaver sir, @ErmesT sir
What do you think?

Looking forward to your insights so we can help make Maps more accurate for everyone!

Thanks!

[TusharSuradkar]

No idea, buddy
But it feels nice to see that @LovePathak28 is only a few kilometers away…!
Since the Delhi meetup last year, you have been missing on Connect.
Glad to see you back with a few recent posts

[ShailendraOjha]

In Indian scenario, both RTO and check post come under the transport ministry,(state & central) so in my opinion the transport category is right, let’s see what the opinion of experts could be?
@LovePathak28 Anyway congrats for New budding badge earn🤝

[LovePathak28]

This is just a trailer @TusharSuradkar sir.
I am coming with my team for every week.
Just stay tuned
On Friday you will get to know what is coming😉

[LovePathak28]

Thank you @ShailendraOjha ji

[NareshDarji]

Exactly! You’ve accurately pointed out the difficulty with finding the right Google Maps category for RTO checkposts at state borders here in India. It really is tough sometimes when you’re trying to accurately map places that don’t fit the standard options. @LovePathak28

In my opinion, “State Government Office” appears to be the most fitting category.

[TravellerG]

Yes, we need more clarification from Google for this question.
To me, since the checking is the border and hence, Border Crossing Station sounds more closer…
However, we need authentic answer from more seniors or then from Google Moderator…

Let us wait for a day or two…
Regards

[LovePathak28]

I think this is just like Multiple Choice Questions in exams
Every option looks like answer but which one is correct don’t know .
Shall we tag any Google Moderator in this post for solution?

[VijendraPatidar]

It is important point that you noted @LovePathak28

[JanVanHaver]

@LovePathak28 I have never been to India, so I don’t fully understand what is meant with RTO Checkposts. Could you please describe in more detail? And what kind of borders are they located on? Borders between countries? Borders between parts of India?

[LovePathak28]

Yes @JanVanHaver sir.
RTO checkposts—short for Regional Transport Office checkposts—are often located on national highways, especially near state borders. Their main job is to regulate and monitor commercial vehicles like trucks and buses that cross from one state to another."

Here’s what usually happens at an RTO checkpost:

1. Permit Verification:
   They check if the truck has valid interstate or national permits (like National Permit, Goods Carrier Permit, etc.).

2. Tax Collection:
   States collect road tax or border entry tax if the truck is carrying goods into the state. This is often done through online systems now, but checks still happen.

3. Weight Check:
   They ensure that vehicles aren’t overloaded. Overloading damages roads and increases accident risks.

4. Documentation Check:
   They verify documents like:

RC (Registration Certificate)

Insurance

Fitness certificate

Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate

Driver’s license

5. Illegal Goods or Evasion:
   Sometimes, checks are done to prevent illegal goods movement or to catch tax evaders who haven’t declared their shipments properly.

Here is a location of an Rto Checkpost on MP Rajasthan border in Nayagaon,MP.

[JanVanHaver]

Oh boy, what a list of different things happening there - no wonder there are so many categories used.

For local guides, the basic rule is that - in cases where multiple functions/activities are going on in a single POI - the category should be used that best represents the most important/most prominent service/activity.

Alternatively, if e.g. the weighing stations you mention are in a clearly separate area, you could consider creating a separate POI for that. You can compare that to a hotel that has a restaurant which is also open for people not staying at the hotel; a separate POI for the restaurant is then typically created. Especially if there are different opening hours (e.g. the checkpoint is open 7/7, but the weighing station only on weekdays) a separate POI is useful (the restaurant from my analogy earlier usually has other opening hours than the hotel).