Vehicle Fitness Test Fee Hike 2025 Soars: Govt Targets Older Vehicles

September 12, 2025

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced a proposal to significantly increase vehicle fitness test fees, particularly targeting older private and commercial vehicles. This measure is part of a broader effort to phase out aging vehicles, enhance road safety, and tackle vehicular pollution in Indian cities.

Proposed Fee Structure for Fitness Tests

According to the draft notification:

• Private vehicles over 20 years old will incur a fitness test fee of ₹2,000 to ₹6,000, depending on the type of vehicle.
• Medium and heavy commercial vehicles over 15 years old could face fees of up to ₹25,000.

Currently, private vehicle fitness certificates are issued after a visual inspection, which is often subjective. The government aims to introduce mandatory automated technical checks to ensure older vehicles meet stringent safety and environmental standards.

Why the Fee Hike is Necessary

India faces a serious vehicular pollution problem. Vehicles older than 15 years contribute disproportionately to air pollution in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data:

• Old diesel vehicles contribute nearly 30% of particulate emissions.
• Aging vehicles are more prone to breakdowns, accidents, and fuel inefficiency.

Raising fitness test fees for older vehicles is intended to encourage replacement with newer, cleaner, and safer vehicles, aligning with national initiatives like the National Electric Mobility Mission and Sustainable Urban Transport program.

Historical Context of Vehicle Fitness Tests in India

• The Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, require fitness certificates for vehicles.
• Private vehicles currently undergo fitness checks after 15 years based on visual inspections, while commercial vehicles are tested every 6 months.
• These regulations have largely remained unchanged for decades, leading to lax enforcement and unsafe aging vehicles on roads.

The proposed changes will modernize the system using automated testing centers with digital diagnostics, emissions checks, and safety validation.

How Vehicle Fitness Tests Work

A fitness test typically includes:

1. Visual inspection of chassis, brakes, lights, and tires.
2. Engine and emission testing to check pollution levels.
3. Safety assessment of steering, suspension, and seat belts.
4. Documentation verification including insurance, registration, and past test reports.

With the new proposal, older private vehicles will undergo automated testing, similar to practices in developed countries like Germany, Japan, and the UK, ensuring accurate and consistent results.

Public Consultation and Stakeholder Feedback

The draft rules have been released for public consultation, allowing 30 days for feedback. Stakeholders including:

• Automobile associations
• Transport unions
• Individual vehicle owners

…can submit objections or suggestions. Authorities will consider these inputs before finalizing the amendments, ensuring a balanced approach that protects public interest while enforcing stricter regulations.

Expert Opinions on the Proposal

• Transport analysts argue that higher fees will accelerate the retirement of older vehicles, reducing pollution and road hazards.
• Environmental experts welcome the measure, highlighting potential improvements in urban air quality.
• Automobile industry leaders see it as an opportunity for boosting sales of new, fuel-efficient vehicles, especially electric and hybrid models.

However, concerns exist about short-term financial burden on owners of older private vehicles and small transport operators. Analysts recommend subsidies or phased implementation to ease the transition.

Global Practices for Vehicle Fitness

Many countries have strict fitness standards:

• Germany: Vehicles older than 3 years undergo an emissions and safety test every 2 years.
• Japan: Comprehensive inspection, called Shaken, is mandatory every 2 years, costing up to $1,000 for older cars.
• UK: The MOT test ensures cars over 3 years old meet safety and emission standards annually.

India’s proposed system aligns with these practices but considers local vehicle age distribution and economic conditions.

Implications for Vehicle Owners and Industry

1. Private vehicle owners will face higher maintenance and fitness test costs.
2. Commercial transport operators may need to upgrade fleets, impacting operational budgets.
3. Automobile manufacturers could see a surge in new vehicle sales, including electric vehicles.
4. Urban residents benefit from reduced pollution and safer roads.
5. Insurance providers may adjust premiums based on vehicle age and compliance with fitness tests.

Road Safety and Environmental Impact

By phasing out aging vehicles, India aims to:

• Reduce vehicular accidents caused by mechanical failures.
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions from old, inefficient engines.
• Encourage adoption of clean, fuel-efficient vehicles.
• Improve public health by reducing respiratory illnesses linked to air pollution.

Next Steps and Implementation

• The Ministry will finalize the rules after public feedback.
• Awareness campaigns will educate vehicle owners about compliance requirements.
• Automated fitness testing centers will be upgraded nationwide, ensuring uniform standards.
• Authorities may introduce phased implementation to avoid sudden financial burdens.

Key Takeaways

• MoRTH proposes a major hike in vehicle fitness test fees.
• Targeted at older private and commercial vehicles to reduce pollution.
• Public consultation is open for 30 days.
• Could accelerate fleet modernization and support electric vehicle adoption.
• Benefits include safer roads, cleaner air, and long-term environmental gains.