Fitness Test Fees for Old Vehicles May Double, Driving Costs to Rise

Owning and driving an old vehicle in India may soon become more expensive. The government is reportedly planning to double the fitness test fees for vehicles that are over 20 years old. Both private and commercial vehicle owners will be impacted if the proposal is approved, adding another layer of cost to already rising ownership expenses.

Rising Costs for Old Vehicle Owners

According to reports, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has submitted a proposal to increase fitness test fees. Under the suggested changes, the fee for conducting a fitness test on a car older than 20 years could go up to ₹2,600.

For heavy commercial vehicles like trucks and buses that are more than 15 years old, the cost of a fitness test may rise to ₹25,000. This will significantly increase the financial burden on transporters and private owners alike, pushing them to reconsider holding on to older vehicles.

Why the Government is Increasing Fees

Sources suggest that the government wants to discourage people from keeping very old vehicles on the road. Older cars and commercial vehicles are often less fuel-efficient and contribute significantly to air pollution. By increasing the charges, the government hopes to promote scrapping of outdated vehicles and encourage the purchase of newer, greener models.

A report indicated that earlier fitness test requirements were not very strict. At most Regional Transport Offices (RTOs), inspectors only checked the condition of vehicles superficially. If a vehicle appeared to be in decent condition, it was often granted a fitness certificate. This leniency allowed many polluting vehicles to remain operational.

New Mandatory Fitness Test Rules

As per the new proposal, fitness tests will become mandatory once a vehicle completes 15 years. Currently, private vehicles only need to undergo a fitness check when they renew their registration at the 15-year mark, and thereafter every five years.

For commercial vehicles, fitness tests are required every two years until the vehicle reaches eight years of age. After that, yearly tests are mandatory. Under the proposed revisions, stricter and costlier tests will apply once vehicles cross 20 years of use.

Automated Testing for More Accuracy

Another major change expected is the introduction of automated machines for conducting fitness tests. Initially, this system will be applied to cars before expanding to commercial vehicles. Automated testing is designed to remove human bias and ensure a thorough technical evaluation of the vehicle’s safety and emissions standards.

The charges for commercial vehicle fitness tests may also vary depending on the type of vehicle. Trucks, buses, and taxis could all see different fee slabs, reflecting their size, usage, and environmental impact.

The Impact on Vehicle Owners

The doubling of fitness test fees is likely to affect transport companies that continue to rely on older trucks and buses for daily operations. Private vehicle owners with cars older than 20 years will also face a tough decision between paying higher fees or opting to scrap their vehicles.

The move follows the government’s recent increase in registration renewal charges. With both renewals and fitness tests becoming more expensive, the cost of keeping old vehicles on the road is rising quickly.

Encouraging Green and Safe Alternatives

The government’s push is aligned with its larger mission of reducing vehicular emissions and improving road safety. Old cars and commercial vehicles often lack modern safety features and produce higher levels of pollutants. By making it costlier to maintain them, authorities hope to accelerate the shift towards electric and cleaner vehicles.

Officials believe that stricter fitness regulations, higher costs, and the introduction of automated testing will ensure that only safe and environmentally compliant vehicles remain operational.

The proposal to double fitness test fees for vehicles older than 20 years signals a major policy shift in India’s transport sector. While the move is aimed at reducing pollution and encouraging the adoption of newer vehicles, it will increase the financial strain on both private and commercial vehicle owners.

If implemented, the changes will force many owners to rethink the practicality of keeping older vehicles on the road. With automated testing and stricter rules coming into play, India’s transport landscape may soon undergo a significant transformation.