Vehicle Fitness Test Fees Hiked Up to 10x with New Policy

The cost of keeping your vehicle on the road is going up. The government has sharply increased fees for mandatory fitness tests. For some older commercial trucks, the new fee is ten times higher than before.

Why The Fee Hike Happened

The goal is clear. The government wants older, more polluting, and potentially unsafe vehicles scrapped. By making fitness tests much more expensive for aged vehicles, they are encouraging owners to retire them sooner. This move aims to improve road safety and reduce emissions across the country.

The New 10-Year Rule

This is the biggest change. Previously, higher fees kicked in for vehicles older than 15 years. Now, that threshold has been lowered. You will face increased charges once your vehicle crosses the 10-year mark. This new rule brings many more vehicles into the higher fee bracket.

New Age-Based Fee Slabs

The government has introduced a three-tier system. Fees now get progressively steeper as your vehicle ages.

• 10-15 years: Higher than the base rate.

• 15-20 years: More expensive than the previous tier.

• Over 20 years: The most expensive category.

This replaces the old flat fee for all vehicles over 15 years old.

Heavy Vehicles Hit Hardest

The most dramatic increases are for commercial vehicles. If you own a heavy truck or bus that is over 20 years old, your fitness test fee has skyrocketed from ₹2,500 to a staggering ₹25,000. Medium commercial vehicles in the same age group will now pay ₹20,000, up from ₹1,800.

Higher Costs For Cars and Bikes Too

No Vehicle is Spared. The fee hike affects everyone. For a light motor vehicle (like a car or pickup) over 20 years old, the fee is now ₹15,000. Three-wheelers will pay ₹7,000. Even a two-wheeler over 20 years old will see its fee rise from ₹600 to ₹2,000.

Even Newer Vehicles Cost More

Base Fees Have Also Risen. It's not just about old vehicles. The standard fitness test fee for vehicles under 15 years has also gone up. For example, light motor vehicles will now pay ₹600, and medium/heavy commercial vehicles will pay ₹1,000 for their certification.

Also Read : Truck Makers Push For Fair CAFE Norms

What This Means For You

This is a significant policy shift. If you own an older vehicle, especially a commercial one, your operating costs are set to rise dramatically. The government's message is clear: it's time to start planning for a newer, cleaner, and safer vehicle.

Also Read : Kinetic Green 3-Wheelers Get 15-Minute Full Charge

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