Old Vehicles Defined At 10 Years As Fitness Fees Rise Up To Tenfold Under New Motor Vehicle Rules
Old Vehicles Defined At 10 Years As Fitness Fees Rise Up To Tenfold Under New Motor Vehicle Rules
The Centre has amended Central Motor Vehicle Rules, sharply increasing fitness test fees for old and commercial vehicles, triggering concern among vehicle owners and transport operators.
The central government has amended the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, introducing a major overhaul in how vehicle fitness is defined and charged across the country. Under the revised norms, vehicles that complete 10 years will now be categorised as “old”, bringing them under stricter fitness checks and significantly higher fees.
According to the amended rules, the fitness test fee for old and commercial vehicles has been increased by up to 10 times in certain categories. The decision applies to both private and commercial vehicles, with the stated objective of phasing out unfit, polluting vehicles and improving overall road safety.
Until now, private vehicles were considered old after 15 years. Under the new framework, fitness testing will begin earlier, and renewal intervals will become more frequent. Vehicles older than 10 years will be required to undergo mandatory fitness tests every two years to remain road-legal.
The revised fee structure shows steep hikes. For two-wheelers, the fitness test fee has been fixed at ₹200. Three-wheelers will be charged ₹1,000, while four-wheelers will pay ₹2,000. Heavier vehicles face a much steeper burden. Fitness fees for trucks, buses and other commercial vehicles can go up to ₹15,000 or even ₹25,000, depending on vehicle class and axle configuration. Earlier, many of these charges were in the range of ₹2,500, making the increase nearly tenfold in some cases.
The government has linked the changes to environmental and safety concerns, stating that older vehicles contribute disproportionately to air pollution and road accidents. Officials argue that higher fitness fees will encourage owners to either maintain vehicles better or replace ageing ones with cleaner, safer models.
However, the move has sparked strong reactions among vehicle owners, particularly transporters and small commercial operators. Many fear that the increased costs will directly impact livelihoods, especially in sectors already hit by rising fuel prices and operating expenses. Transport associations in Maharashtra have flagged concerns that the additional financial burden could lead to higher freight costs, which may eventually be passed on to consumers.
In cities like Pune, Solapur and other parts of Maharashtra, where older commercial vehicles form a large part of the transport ecosystem, the rule change has led to visible unease. Several operators have urged the government to reconsider the fee structure or introduce phased implementation and exemptions for small operators.
With the new rules set to be enforced nationally, vehicle owners are being advised to check the age status of their vehicles and prepare for higher compliance costs. Transport departments are expected to issue further operational guidelines in the coming weeks.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Vehicle owners should verify applicable rules and fees with their local transport authority before taking any decision.
