Vehicle Fitness Certificate
You might be surprised at the fine imposed on a person for driving without a valid vehicle fitness certificate. This certificate guarantees that your vehicle is up to standards regarding safety and roadworthiness. A serious fine or prosecution may be imposed on you, or your vehicle may even be seized, all depending on your disregard of the law. So, make sure you keep on top of your certificate status and check your vehicle details by number plate at regular intervals to avoid getting fined. The article will explain the offenses relating to driving with an invalid fitness certificate.
What is a Vehicle Fitness Certificate?
A Vehicle Fitness Certificate is a certification whether a car is roadworthy and meets safety requirements. These certificates are granted by authorised transport authorities after thorough inspections have been carried out on the vehicle concerning brake, light emissions, and general mechanical conditions.
An increasing number of jurisdictions require this certificate for both commercial and private vehicles that are more than 15 years old. It decreases accidents and pollution by ensuring that vehicles on the road meet safety and environmental standards. Therefore, you must renew the certificate regularly to ensure safe driving conditions, legal compliance, and avoid penalties.
Penalties and Fines for Carrying an Invalid Vehicle Fitness Certificate
If you drive without a valid fitness certificate, you will be charged with penalties that can vary according to the type of offence. Check the table below to know the penalties associated with Vehicle Fitness Certificate violations:
| Offence Type | Penalty/Fine | Additional Consequences |
| First-time offence (Expired Fitness Certificate) | Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 | — |
| Repeat offence | Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 | Possible imprisonment for multiple violations |
| Multiple repeat offences | Higher fines + Possible imprisonment | Legal action may include a licence suspension |
| Delay in renewing Fitness Certificate | Rs. 50 per day (as per the Motor Vehicles Act) | Accumulated dues may affect re-registration |
Vehicle Fitness Fees for Getting a Fitness Certificate
The vehicle fitness fees for getting a fitness certificate are summarised in this comprehensive table:
| Vehicle Type | Manual Testing Fee (In Rs.) | Automated Testing Fee (In Rs.) | Additional Fees (In Rs.) |
| Two-wheelers (Bikes & Scooters) | 200 | 400 | – |
| Light Motor Vehicles (Three-wheelers) | 400 | 600 | – |
| Heavy/Medium Motor Vehicles (Commercial Vehicles) | 600 | 1,000 | – |
| Granting or Renewal of Fitness Certificate | – | – | 200 |
| Granting or Renewal of Authority | – | – | 15,000 |
| An appeal under Rule 70 | – | – | 3,000 |
| Duplicate Fitness Certificate | – | – | 7,500 |
How to Apply or Renew a Fitness Certificate?
The availability of online services has made it easier to apply for a vehicle fitness certificate. By choosing the digital route via the Parivahan portal, car owners can now avoid standing in long lines at the RTO. Here are the steps on how to apply for a vehicle fitness certificate:
- Go to the Parivahan official website.
- Go to Online Services and select “Vehicle Related Services.”
- From the provided drop-down list, choose your state.
- Click “Proceed” after entering your car’s registration number.
- Click “Proceed” after selecting “Apply for Fitness Certificate,” and acknowledging the instructions.
- Click “Generate OTP” after entering the registered mobile number and chassis number.
- Enter the OTP, check the car’s details, input your insurance information, and then pay.
- Use digital methods such as UPI, net banking, or cards to pay the relevant fees.
- There will be a receipt that you can download, and an application number will be generated.
- To finish the process, bring the car and all required paperwork to your RTO for a physical inspection.
Required Documents for a Fitness Certificate
To successfully apply for a Vehicle Fitness Certificate, you must provide the following documents that verify your vehicle’s compliance with safety, environmental, and legal standards:
- Application Form (Form 38): Available on the Parivahan Portal.
- Vehicle Sale Certificate (Form 21): Obtainable from the Parivahan Portal.
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC): Provided during vehicle purchase.
- Valid Insurance Certificate: Get from your insurance provider or an online platform.
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate: Issued at authorised PUC centres or petrol pumps.
- Road Tax Receipt (Up-to-date): Available after road tax payment at the RTO.
- Permit (for commercial vehicles): Issued by the RTO.
- Vehicle Invoice (for new vehicles): Given during the vehicle purchase.
- Roadworthiness Certificate (Form 22): Available on the Parivahan Portal.
- Residential and Address Proof: Aadhar Card, Driving Licence, Passport, etc.
- Pencil Impression of Chassis Number: Taken from the vehicle.
- Engine Number: This can be found on the car invoice.
- Passport-sized Photographs of the Applicant: Recent photos for identification.
Final Thoughts
Driving around without a current vehicle fitness certificate can get you into serious legal and financial problems. This certificate guarantees that your car satisfies crucial safety and environmental requirements to prevent fines. In addition to providing you with legal protection, maintaining compliance also promotes road safety and lowers pollution. To stay informed, always keep track of your renewal dates and confirm your car’s information by looking up the license plate.
