Particle.news
Download on the App Store

India Cuts Age Threshold, Hikes Vehicle Fitness Fees Up to 10x in Immediate Nationwide Rule Change

The overhaul aims to accelerate retirement of older vehicles under the national scrappage policy.

Overview

  • The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, revising Rule 81 with new fitness-test charges now in force across the country.
  • The higher-fee threshold drops from 15 years to 10 years, with three age bands introduced: 10–15 years, 15–20 years, and over 20 years.
  • Heavy commercial vehicles older than 20 years now face a ₹25,000 fitness test charge, up from ₹2,500, while medium commercial vehicles in that bracket rise to ₹20,000 from ₹1,800.
  • For vehicles over 20 years, fees are set at ₹15,000 for light motor vehicles, ₹7,000 for three-wheelers, and ₹2,000 for two-wheelers.
  • Revised baseline charges also apply below 15 years, with motorcycles at ₹400, light motor vehicles at ₹600, and medium/heavy commercial vehicles at ₹1,000.