The government has proposed an increase in fitness test fees to remove old and unsafe vehicles from the roads. For cars older than 20 years, this fee could be up to ₹2,000, and for trucks and buses older than 15 years, it could be up to ₹25,000. The aim of the change is to enhance road safety and environmental protection.
Fitness Test Fee: The Indian government is proposing a significant hike in fitness test fees to remove old and polluting vehicles from the roads and improve environmental protection. Under this proposal, the fee for private cars older than 20 years could be up to ₹2,000, and for medium and heavy commercial vehicles older than 15 years, it could be up to ₹25,000. The proposal also includes stricter technical inspection and mandatory automated testing.
How much is the increase in fitness test fees?
According to the government's latest proposal, the fitness test fee for private cars older than 20 years could be increased to ₹2,000. Meanwhile, a fee of up to ₹25,000 is proposed for medium and heavy commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses that are more than 15 years old. This change is being made to promote safer and environmentally friendlier vehicles on the road.
Currently, many RTOs issue fitness certificates without proper technical inspection. Under the new proposal, automated technical fitness tests will be mandatory for private vehicles older than 15 years. Similarly, for commercial vehicles, the fees will be divided into slabs of 10, 13, 15, and 20 years based on their age.
Existing Rules and Their Limitations
Currently, for commercial vehicles, a fitness test is mandatory every 2 years for the first 8 years, and thereafter every year. For private vehicles, the first fitness test is due upon completion of 15 years. After that, the test is conducted once every 5 years.
Experts believe that the current rules are not sufficient. Often, old vehicles continue to operate on the roads without proper technical inspection, thereby compromising road safety.
Importance from the Perspective of Road Safety and Environment
Anil Chhikara, former Deputy Transport Commissioner of Delhi, states that regardless of whether a vehicle is private or commercial, its fitness should be the top priority. Unfit vehicles pose a danger to everyone on the road. Stricter fitness testing procedures can reduce the number of road accidents.
Furthermore, old and polluting vehicles are also a threat to the environment. Older vehicles emit more smoke and affect air quality. The new proposal will ensure regular technical inspection of vehicles and help reduce pollution.
What will be the impact on old vehicle owners?
Upon the implementation of this change, old vehicle owners will have to pay higher charges. For private car owners, this could be up to ₹2,000, while for owners of trucks and large commercial vehicles, the expense will be up to ₹25,000. Additionally, regular technical inspection will be mandatory for all vehicles.
This step is being taken to remove old vehicles from the roads and promote safer vehicles. Experts say that this change will motivate vehicle owners to pay attention to their vehicles' condition and get them repaired on time.
