New norms effective immediately; age threshold for higher fees reduced from 15 to 10 years
New Delhi, 18 November 2025:
In a sweeping regulatory overhaul, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced a sharp increase in vehicle fitness test fees—by as much as ten times for certain categories—in an effort to discourage the use of older, high-pollution, and unsafe vehicles on Indian roads. The changes, introduced through an amendment to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, take effect immediately, according to a report by NDTV.
Officials indicate that the revised fee structure forms part of the Centre’s larger strategy to modernize India’s vehicular ecosystem, curb emissions, and enhance road safety. The move also aligns with the government’s ongoing campaign to reduce the number of ageing commercial and private vehicles, which are often linked to higher accident rates and environmental hazards.
Age Threshold Lowered to 10 Years
Previously, enhanced fitness fees were applicable only to vehicles older than 15 years. The new rules lower this threshold to 10 years, bringing a significantly larger number of vehicles under the higher fee slabs. The government expects that the steep rise in compliance costs will lead owners to voluntarily withdraw outdated vehicles from service.
The revised structure categorizes vehicles into three age brackets—10 to 15 years, 15 to 20 years, and over 20 years—with incremental fees applicable across all vehicle types, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, LMVs, quadricycles, and heavy commercial vehicles.
Steepest Hike for Vehicles Above 20 Years
The highest increase has been imposed on vehicles over 20 years, a category considered environmentally burdensome and structurally vulnerable.
Revised Fitness Test Charges (20+ Years)
Heavy Commercial Vehicles (Trucks/Buses): ₹25,000 (Earlier: ₹2,500)
Medium Commercial Vehicles: ₹20,000 (Earlier: ₹1,800)
Light Motor Vehicles (LMV): ₹15,000
Three-Wheelers: ₹7,000
Two-Wheelers: ₹2,000 (Earlier: ₹600)
Transport experts note that the tenfold increase for heavy vehicles reflects the government’s intention to fast-track the retirement of old goods carriers and buses, which contribute disproportionately to road accidents and particulate emissions.
Revised Fees for Vehicles Under 15 Years
The government has also revised fees for relatively newer vehicles (under 15 years), though the hike here is moderate compared to the older-age slabs.
Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles: ₹1,000
Light Motor Vehicles: ₹600
Motorcycles: ₹400
These charges, notified under the revised Rule 81, aim to rationalize the system and bring consistency across states.
Authorities Expect Faster Transition to Newer Fleet
Industry observers believe the steep fitness test charges could accelerate a shift towards newer models, particularly electric and BS-VI compliant vehicles. Fleet operators, however, caution that the sudden hike may impose financial stress on small transporters who rely heavily on ageing vehicles for livelihood.
Government sources maintain that long-term benefits—lower emissions, reduced traffic fatalities, and improved public health—outweigh the short-term economic burden.
