New Delhi: Vehicle fitness test fees across India have been increased by up to ten times under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (Fifth Amendment), with the revised charges coming into effect immediately. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced the steep hike as part of its broader strategy to phase out older and unsafe vehicles, reduce pollution and encourage the adoption of cleaner mobility options.
New rule brings 10-year-old vehicles under higher fee bracket
Until now, higher fitness test fees applied only to vehicles older than 15 years. Under the amended rules, even vehicles that have completed 10 years must undergo the fitness test at significantly increased rates. MoRTH has also classified vehicles into new age-based categories — 10–15 years, 15–20 years, and above 20 years — to streamline implementation and reflect the safety and emission risks posed by ageing vehicles.
The revised fees apply to two-wheelers, three-wheelers, quadricycles, LMVs, and medium and heavy goods/passenger vehicles. The highest jump has been introduced for commercial vehicles older than 20 years.
Steepest hikes for older commercial vehicles
Before the amendment, heavy commercial vehicles over 20 years old paid Rs 2,500 for their fitness certification. Under the new rules, the charges have increased tenfold to Rs 25,000 per vehicle.
Medium commercial vehicles in the same age bracket will now pay Rs 20,000 instead of the earlier Rs 1,800. LMVs older than 20 years must pay Rs 15,000, three-wheelers Rs 7,000, and two-wheelers Rs 2,000.
Below is a summary of the updated fee structure:
New Vehicle Fitness Test Fees
| Vehicle Category | Previous Fee | 10–15 years | 15–20 years | 20+ years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-wheelers | Rs 600 | Rs 400 | Rs 1,000 | Rs 2,000 |
| Three-wheelers | Rs 400–600 | Rs 600 | Rs 3,000 | Rs 7,000 |
| LMV | Rs 1,000 | Rs 600 | Rs 5,000 | Rs 15,000 |
| Medium | Rs 1,800 | Rs 1,000 | Rs 10,000 | Rs 20,000 |
| Heavy/Commercial | Rs 2,500 | Rs 1,000 | Rs 12,500 | Rs 25,000 |
Government aims to phase out 20+ year-old vehicles
The government has made it clear that vehicles older than 20 years will gradually be phased out due to higher pollution levels and safety concerns. With the sharper fee slabs, officials expect owners to either retire ageing vehicles or switch to cleaner alternatives like electric vehicles, hybrids and CNG-powered models.
The move also aligns with India’s long-term climate goals. MoRTH is tightening emission norms, with the proposed BS7 standards — expected to be rolled out by 2027 — set to mirror the stringent Euro 7 regulations. The government aims to reduce carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030, and eliminating older, high-emission vehicles is seen as a critical step in that direction.
Industry impact and transition outlook
Industry insiders believe that while the fee hike may place financial pressure on commercial operators, it will ultimately push the sector toward cleaner and more efficient fleets. Passenger vehicle owners may also gradually shift to newer models as maintaining old vehicles becomes economically unviable.
The amendment forms part of the government’s larger policy push to modernise the country’s transport system, improve road safety, and accelerate the transition to greener mobility solutions. With the new rules now in force, both private and commercial vehicle owners will need to factor in these higher fitness compliance costs when assessing the long-term viability of older vehicles.