The central government has once again taken a major step to curb the use of old vehicles in the country. Keeping vehicles older than 20 years on the road has now become much more expensive.
The central government has taken a major step to curb the prevalence of old vehicles in the country. Having already burdened vehicle owners by increasing renewal fees for vehicles older than 20 years, the government has now significantly increased fitness test fees. Once the new rule comes into effect, maintaining older vehicles will become more expensive than ever. This decision, aimed at reducing pollution and removing dangerous and underpowered vehicles from the roads, has attracted the attention of millions of vehicle owners.
New Age Categories for Fitness Tests
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a notification establishing three new age categories for vehicle fitness tests: 10-15 years, 15-20 years, and over 20 years. The most significant change is that commercial vehicles will now be eligible for higher fee slabs after 10 years, as opposed to the previous limit of 15 years. This will bring a significant number of vehicles under the stricter regulations.
What has changed for LMVs?
The fitness fee for light motor vehicles (LMVs), i.e., cars and small four-wheelers, older than 20 years has been increased from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000. The government argues that these older vehicles no longer meet safety and pollution standards, so higher fees will be charged to keep them on the road.
Heavy and Medium Commercial Vehicles Most Impacted
Heavy and medium commercial vehicles have been hit the hardest. The fee for heavy trucks or buses older than 20 years has been increased from ₹3,500 to ₹25,000. Additionally, the fee for medium commercial vehicles has been increased to ₹20,000, and for light commercial vehicles (LCVs) to ₹15,000. This move is part of a policy to gradually phase out older, more polluting cargo vehicles and buses.
Impact on two-wheeler owners as well
The fitness test fee for two-wheelers older than 20 years has been increased from ₹600 to ₹2,000. In August, the government had already increased the renewal fee, and this is the second major blow.
Supreme Court Relief for NCR Vehicle Owners
In Delhi-NCR, where regulations are already strict, the Supreme Court in August directed that no coercive action be taken against owners of 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles. However, this relief is temporary and may increase further in the future.
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