In a significant move aimed at phasing out ageing vehicles from Indian roads, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced steep revisions to the fitness test fee structure for older vehicles. The new policy, detailed in a notification issued on November 11, marks a decisive shift in the government’s strategy to promote environmental sustainability and enhance road safety by discouraging the long-term use of motor vehicles that are more than 20 years old.

This latest revision follows earlier changes made in August, when renewal charges for older vehicles were increased. Together, these steps underscore a wider national agenda—reducing air pollution, improving fuel efficiency, and ensuring the roads are populated with safer, technologically updated vehicles.

Fitness Fee Structure Overhauled

Under the new norms, MoRTH has redefined the age categories for fitness testing and applied a stringent cost framework that directly impacts both private and commercial vehicle owners. The revised fee structure now comprises three categories based on age:
10–15 years, 15–20 years, and above 20 years.

Previously, higher renewal fees were triggered only once commercial vehicles crossed the 15-year threshold. The change to 10 years now brings a larger portion of the commercial vehicle fleet under tighter regulatory scrutiny and cost burdens.

One of the most notable changes concerns light motor vehicles (LMVs) that are more than 20 years old. The fitness test fee for these vehicles has surged from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000. This reflects the government’s focus on disincentivising personal vehicles that remain in circulation long past their optimal life cycle.

The sharpest fee escalation has been reserved for heavy commercial vehicles—buses and trucks. These vehicles, especially when older, are known to contribute disproportionately to urban pollution and wear on infrastructure due to their heavy load-bearing nature. For these vehicles above 20 years, the fitness test charges have skyrocketed from ₹3,500 to ₹25,000. This seven-fold increase is seen as a direct push toward fleet modernisation among transport operators.

Medium commercial vehicles in the same age group will now be charged ₹20,000 per test. The notification also specifies that fitness certification for two-wheelers over 20 years old will now cost ₹2,000, compared to the previous charge of ₹600. This increase targets a segment that constitutes a large share of India’s vehicular population, particularly in urban centres.

A Push Toward Cleaner and Safer Roads

The government’s new policy aligns strongly with ongoing environmental and safety campaigns. Older vehicles, especially those powered by diesel engines, are major contributors to air pollution in India’s rapidly expanding cities. They emit higher levels of particulate matter and greenhouse gases due to outdated technology and poor maintenance standards.

By making it significantly more expensive to retain ageing vehicles, authorities aim to encourage timely scrapping and replacement with cleaner alternatives. Electric vehicles, hybrid technologies, and vehicles compliant with updated emission standards such as Bharat Stage (BS) VI are positioned as the preferred future options.

Additionally, older vehicles often fall short on safety parameters, lacking modern features such as improved braking systems, stronger chassis build quality, and advanced stability controls. Phasing them out will help curb road accidents caused by mechanical failures.

Legal and Judicial Context

The revised fitness standards and fee hikes follow key judicial interventions in India’s pollution control measures. In August, the Supreme Court reiterated that authorities must refrain from coercive actions against owners of older diesel and petrol vehicles in Delhi-NCR, acknowledging the complexities faced by residents and businesses affected by blanket bans.

However, the groundwork for tackling vehicular pollution through regulatory and financial disincentives has continued to take shape. Delhi-NCR remains a focal point of national environmental concern, and stringent measures for ageing vehicles—10 years for diesel and 15 years for petrol—are already well-established in the region.

Implications for Owners and Industry

The move carries varied implications across the automotive landscape:

• Private vehicle owners may now reconsider retaining personal vehicles beyond the 15–20 year mark due to high maintenance and regulatory costs.
• Commercial fleet operators including trucking companies and bus services will face significant financial pressure to modernize fleets, requiring capital investment but potentially improving long-term efficiency.
• Automotive manufacturers and scrap operators could benefit from increased sales and vehicle turnover, boosting the economy around certified scrappage and new vehicle adoption.
• Environmental stakeholders expect these measures to deliver tangible benefits in air quality and greenhouse gas reduction over time.

The Road Ahead

MoRTH’s latest notification forms part of a broader transition in India’s mobility strategy — moving toward a cleaner, modern, and safer transportation ecosystem. The government’s approach combines financial deterrence, regulation, and long-term sustainability goals, with the aim of reshaping consumer behavior and industry practices.

While the new charges may initially impose a burden on vehicle owners with limited financial flexibility, policymakers argue that the benefits — including public health improvements, reduced fuel consumption, and lower accident rates — justify the shift.

As India continues its transformation into a more environmentally responsible and technologically advanced mobility market, such interventions are expected to deepen. Whether through additional scrappage incentives, green mobility schemes, or expanded electric vehicle infrastructure, the policy framework is clearly converging on one priority: reducing the presence of outdated vehicles on Indian roads.

The revised fitness fee structure is thus not merely a financial directive but a critical step in a broader national mission — steering the country toward sustainable transportation and cleaner air for the future.