Vehicle Fitness Certificate – Charges, Procedure and More

When it comes to professional-level trekking, you must meet certain requirements to be eligible for the expedition. One of those requirements is a physical fitness certificate. The certificate, which is issued by a doctor, states that you, as an individual, are physically fit for the said activity. Just like a physical health certificate for your fitness, there is a fitness certificate for your car as well. Ensuring that a vehicle is roadworthy and meets the required safety standards, is a crucial aspect of responsible ownership. The Vehicle Fitness Certificate plays a pivotal role in this regard. Let's dive into all you need to know about this certificate in India, its significance, the process of obtaining it, and why it matters for vehicle owners.

What is a Vehicle Fitness Certificate?

A vehicle fitness certificate is issued by the Regional Transport Authority (RTO). This certificate indicates the vehicle manufactured is fit and ready to be driven. When a car is manufactured, various quality checks are conducted before it can be sent to the dealer. The fitness certificate check is the legal certification for the manufacturer to show proof of the vehicle’s fitness. Generally, new cars are issued with a fitness certificate for 15 years. It is essentially a document that verifies the roadworthiness and compliance of a vehicle in terms of road fitness. As a vehicle ages, it’s working also gets impacted with time. While a vehicle is serviced multiple times in its lifetime, its performance gets affected gradually, which in turn affects the overall fitness of the vehicle. In India, where the fitness of the vehicle is given priority, this Fitness Certificate can ensure that the vehicle is completely safe and fit to be driven on the roads.

Why is the Vehicle Fitness Certificate Important?

The following factors make this certificate an important document for your vehicle. Similarly, your car insurance policy is a vital piece of document you are required to carry at all times as per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1989:

Legal Requirement

Obtaining and displaying a valid Vehicle Fitness Certificate is a legal requirement in India. Driving a vehicle without a valid certificate can lead to fines. Repeated offense may lead to the suspension of your licence or the cancellation of your vehicle’s registration.

Road Safety

The certificate assesses the overall condition of the vehicle, including essential components such as brakes, lights, and steering. This ensures the vehicle is in a roadworthy state, minimizing the risk of accidents due to mechanical failures. A motor insurance policy might provide financial assistance for damage or injuries* in case of an accident, but it cannot guarantee the fitness of the vehicle. Hence, the aspect of road safety is taken into consideration.

Environmental Impact

The older the vehicle, the higher the emissions. The certificate emphasizes the importance of controlling vehicular emissions, a critical factor in combating air pollution. It mandates that vehicles meet specific emission standards to reduce their impact on air quality.

How to Apply for a Vehicle Fitness Certificate Online?

Follow these steps if you wish to apply for a vehicle fitness certificate online:

1. Head to the Parivahan Sewa website, operated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
2. Click the Online Services option and go to the Vehicles Related Section on the website
3. Select the state, enter your vehicle’s registration number and select the RTO
4. Select the Apply for Fitness Certificate option
5. Enter your vehicle’s chassis number and your registered mobile number to receive the one-time password
6. Submit the OTP. Check your vehicle details. You need to enter your insurance details. For example, if it is a bike that requires a fitness certificate, enter the Bike insurance policy details
7. Submit the details, and make the payment online on the website
8. Take the printout of the payment receipt and the application form, which also contains the application number

Visit the assigned RTO with the application number and other required documents on the date and time assigned to you. and get your vehicle inspected. If the vehicle is found to be unfit during inspection, the RTO will delay the certification till the repairs are done. After the certificate has been issued, you can keep a soft copy of it on your phone. You can download a fitness certificate either from the Parivahan app or you can visit the Parivahan website and download the certificate. To get the certificate offline:

1. Get a printout of the application form either from the Parivahan Sewa website or from the RTO
2. Fill out the forms and submit them along with the required documents to the RTO
3. After submission, pay the fees for the certificate
4. Get your vehicle inspected by the RTO on the date allotted by them

What is the validity of the vehicle fitness certificate?

The validity of the vehicle fitness certificate is as follows:

1. For cars - 15 years.
2. For two-wheelers - 15 years.
3. For commercial vehicles up to 8 years old, - 2 years.

If you are found driving your vehicle without a valid vehicle fitness certificate, the fines are:

1. For a first-time offence - Rs.2000 up to Rs.5000.
2. For repeated offences - up to Rs.10,000 (and also attracts imprisonment).

If you delay renewing the certificate, the fine is set at Rs.50 per day as per the provision under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. Also Read: Top 7 Best Mileage Cars Under 10 Lakhs in India for 2024

How to apply for/renew a vehicle fitness certificate?

If you wish to apply for the certificate online, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the Parivahan Sewa website, which is the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
2. Access the Vehicles Related Section on the website by clicking the ‘Online Services’ option.
3. Select the state, following which you are required to enter your car’s registration number and select the RTO.
4. After this, select the ‘Apply for Fitness Certificate’ option. It is important that you read the instructions given carefully and then click on the ‘Proceed’ button.
5. Enter your car’s chassis number and your registered mobile number to receive the one-time password.
6. After submitting the OTP, you will see your car’s details. Once you verify the details, enter the details pertaining to your vehicle insurance.
7. Submit these details, select the payment option, and pay the fees online.
8. You will get an application number and a copy of the payment receipt.
9. Go to your RTO with the application number and other necessary documents, and get your vehicle inspected. If problems are found during the inspection, the RTO will not issue the certificate until the repairs are done.

To get the certificate offline:

1. You can get the forms for the certificate either from the government’s online portal or from the RTO
2. Fill out the forms and attach the necessary documents before submitting them to the RTO
3. After submission, pay the fees for the certificate
4. Get your vehicle inspected by the RTO on the date allotted by them

You can renew your fitness certificate, both online and offline. The steps for the online procedure are similar to those when applying for a new certificate. You simply have to select the ‘Apply for Fitness Renewal’ option instead of applying for a fresh certificate. After submitting the necessary details and completing the requisite payment formalities, head to the RTO with your car for inspection and get the certificate renewed. For the offline procedure, you can get the forms either from the government website or from the RTO. Fill out the forms, submit the documents, pay the fees, and get your car inspected by the RTO. Also Read: Best Family Cars in India in 2024 with Prices & Specifications

What is the Connection between vehicle a fitness certificate and car insurance?

Your four-wheeler insurance is one of the mandatory documents required by the RTO when it comes to issuing a new certificate for your car or for its renewal. Recent judgments have made it clear that the insurer is liable for compensation to the policyholder even if the vehicle’s fitness certificate is missing [1]. However, as a responsible car owner and policyholder, it would be prudent to renew your car’s fitness certificate from time to time to avoid any unnecessary hassles if you were to claim car insurance. * Also Read: Safest Cars in India with Global NCAP Rating 2024

Conclusion

The Vehicle Fitness Certificate is more than just a piece of paper; it's a commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and compliance with the law. As vehicle owners, obtaining and renewing this certificate should be a routine part of our responsibilities. It can not only ensure vehicles are in optimal condition but can also contribute to a cleaner and safer driving environment for all. Also Read: Best Cars Under 15 Lakh in India Also Read: Top 10 Best Cars With Panoramic Sunroof in India for 2024 *Standard T&C Apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.