The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced a drastic revision of vehicle fitness test fees nationwide, with charges increasing by as much as ten times in certain categories. These amendments, formalized under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (Fifth Amendment), are effective immediately and are designed to accelerate the removal of older, less-safe, and high-polluting vehicles from public roads.
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Key Change: Lowering the Age Threshold
The most significant policy shift is the reduction in the age threshold that triggers progressively higher fitness fees. Previously, flat, escalated charges were only applied to vehicles older than 15 years. Under the new rules, higher fees are now imposed on vehicles that have completed 10 years of service.
The government has introduced a tiered structure based on vehicle age, which applies across all major categories:
- 10-15 years
- 15-20 years
- Over 20 years
Fees increase with each successive age bracket, replacing the former single flat rate for older vehicles.
Major Fee Revisions by Vehicle Category
The progressive age-based slabs now apply universally to two-wheelers, three-wheelers, quadricycles, Light Motor Vehicles (LMV), and all medium and heavy goods/passenger vehicles.
The largest fee hikes are concentrated on older commercial vehicles:
| Vehicle Category | Age Bracket | Old Fee (Approx.) | New Fee (Effective Immediately) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Commercial Vehicles (Buses, Trucks) | Over 20 years | ₹2,500 | ₹25,000 | 10x |
| Medium Commercial Vehicles | Over 20 years | ₹1,800 | ₹20,000 | ~11x |
| Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) | Over 20 years | N/A (Previously 15+ flat) | ₹15,000 | Substantial |
| Three-wheelers | Over 20 years | N/A (Previously 15+ flat) | ₹7,000 | Substantial |
| Two-wheelers (Motorcycles) | Over 20 years | ₹600 | ₹2,000 | 3.3x |
Increased Fees for Newer Vehicles (Under 15 Years)
Even vehicles under the 15-year mark will face increased costs for certification, as detailed under the updated Rule 81:
- Motorcycles: ₹400 (New)
- Light Motor Vehicles: ₹600 (New)
- Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles: ₹1,000 (New)
Industry experts suggest this aggressive fee structure is a direct measure to discourage the retention of older vehicles, thereby bolstering the government’s vehicle scrappage policy and promoting the adoption of newer, greener, and safer models.
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