Ministry proposes Rs 2,600 fitness test fee for private vehicles over 20 years old

NEW DELHI: Barely weeks after govt increased renewal charges of older vehicles, the road transport ministry has proposed a steep hike in fitness test fee of private vehicles over 20 years and higher for medium and heavy commercial vehicles which are more than 15 years old.

While owners of 20-year-old cars would have to cough up Rs 2,600 for the test, for trucks and buses, it would cost Rs 25,000.

TOI has learnt that the intent behind this move is to disincentivise people to hold on to their old vehicles. Sources said the govt is also considering having proper fitness tests for private vehicles once they attain 15 years. Currently, RTOs give fitness certificates by just taking a look at the condition of private vehicles rather than putting them through tests.

Sources said the ministry is looking into the option of whether mandatory automated technical tests should be rolled out in a staggered manner, such as starting with cars.

As per the draft norm published by the ministry, there is a proposal to introduce separate fee slabs for commercial vehicles that are over 10, 13, 15 and 20 years. At present, the testing fee for commercial vehicles above 20 years is the same as that for 15-year-old vehicles. It has proposed to double the testing fee for certification of fitness for vehicles that are more than 20 years old.

Under the Motor Vehicle Rules, fitness test for commercial vehicles is mandatory every two years up to eight years and annually thereafter. In case of private vehicles this test is required at the time of registration renewal, which is after 15 years, and then every five years. "We have been urging the govt to change this regime, and fitness test for private vehicles should also be made mandatory after 10 years. Whether it's a private or commercial vehicle, fitness must be the priority. Any unfit vehicle is a risk for all road users," said Anil Chhikara, the former deputy transport commissioner of Delhi.