In a significant move aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing pollution, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced a steep hike in vehicle fitness test charges, with fees increasing by as much as ten times their current levels. This revision, part of an amendment to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, was reported on Tuesday, 18th November 2025.
New Age Threshold and Fee Structure
The central government has drastically reduced the age threshold for vehicles that will attract higher fitness fees. Previously applicable only to vehicles older than 15 years, the higher charges will now impact vehicles that have completed just 10 years on the road. This strategic decision is intended to discourage the operation of older, potentially unsafe, and more polluting vehicles by making their upkeep more expensive, thereby prompting owners to retire or replace them with newer models.
The updated fee structure is progressive and depends on two key factors: the vehicle's category and its age. The charges are now segmented into distinct age-based categories: vehicles between 10 to 15 years, those between 15 to 20 years, and vehicles older than 20 years.
Detailed Breakdown of Revised Fitness Test Charges
The new mandate replaces the earlier flat-rate system with a tiered fee model that applies to all vehicle categories, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, quadricycles, light motor vehicles (LMV), and medium and heavy goods or passenger vehicles.
For vehicles older than 20 years, the fee hike is particularly sharp:
- Heavy commercial vehicles (like trucks and buses) will now see a fitness test charge of ₹25,000, a massive jump from the previous ₹2,500.
- Medium commercial vehicles are now charged ₹20,000, up from ₹1,800.
- Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) over 20 years old will attract a new fee of ₹15,000.
- Three-wheelers in this age bracket will cost ₹7,000 for their fitness certificate.
- Two-wheelers will see their fee rise to ₹2,000, compared to the earlier ₹600.
Fees for Vehicles Under 15 Years
The government has also revised the fitness test fees for vehicles less than 15 years old under the amended Rule 81. The new rates are as follows:
- Medium and heavy commercial vehicles: ₹1,000
- Light motor vehicles (LMV): ₹600
- Motorcycles: ₹400
According to the report, these changes are effective immediately, signaling the government's urgent focus on improving vehicular health across Indian roads.
Key Takeaways and Impact
The primary objectives behind this policy shift are clear: to accelerate the retirement of older vehicles, enhance overall road safety, and curb environmental pollution. By substantially increasing the cost of operating ageing vehicles, the government is creating a strong financial incentive for owners to transition to newer, safer, and cleaner models. This move is expected to have a significant impact on the commercial transport sector and individual vehicle owners alike, pushing India towards a more modern and safer vehicle fleet.
