Mandatory Fitness Test Every 8 Years for Cars? New Govt Proposal Explained

India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is preparing to implement a new rule that could impact every car owner in the country — a mandatory Vehicle Fitness Test every 8 years. While it may seem like a hassle at first, this move is aimed at improving road safety and cutting down vehicle emissions.

What Is the Vehicle Fitness Test?

The Vehicle Fitness Test is similar to a routine health check-up, but for your car. It’s conducted to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and meets emission standards.

Key Features:

• Conducted to ensure roadworthiness and environmental compliance

• Applicable to private vehicles (cars and two-wheelers)

• Mandatory after 8 years of vehicle registration

The New 8-Year Fitness Rule – What the Proposal Says

The proposed rule will change how we maintain and inspect our vehicles. Here’s a comparison between the current and proposed policies:

Why the Government Is Introducing This

This proposal is part of India’s broader mission to improve road safety and reduce vehicle-related air pollution.

Primary Objectives:

• Prevent road accidents caused by vehicle wear and tear

• Promote cleaner air by phasing out polluting vehicles

• Create a culture of regular vehicle inspection

• Transition testing to unbiased automated fitness centers

What Are Automated Fitness Centers?

Automated Fitness Centers are tech-driven facilities designed to perform standardized and efficient vehicle fitness tests. They reduce human error and improve accuracy in inspections.

These centers typically conduct:

• Brake and suspension tests

• Headlight alignment and light intensity checks

• Emissions monitoring

• Body and structural inspections

When Will This Be Implemented?

The proposal is currently in the consultation phase. MoRTH has invited feedback from citizens, experts, and other stakeholders. If accepted, the rollout will likely begin in phases, starting with metro cities where pollution levels and vehicle density are high.

How Will It Impact You as a Car Owner?

If you own a private vehicle, you’ll be required to get a Vehicle Fitness Test done after the 8th year of registration. Here’s how this affects you:

• Mandatory fitness test for vehicles older than 8 years

• The test needs to be repeated every 2 years

• Testing must be conducted only at approved automated fitness centers

• If your vehicle fails the test, necessary repairs must be made before reapplying

Benefits of the New Vehicle Inspection Rule

• Promotes safety by identifying unfit vehicles

• Reduces harmful emissions from older vehicles

• Encourages timely maintenance and responsible ownership

• Increases resale value of tested vehicles with clean records

Summary at a Glance

FAQs: What People Are Asking

1. Is the fitness test applicable to brand-new cars?

No. The Vehicle Fitness Test applies only once the vehicle completes 8 years from the date of registration.

2. Can I get my vehicle tested at any local garage?

No. Tests must be carried out only at authorized automated fitness centers to ensure fairness and consistency.

3. What happens if my car fails the test?

You’ll need to carry out the recommended repairs and then reappear for the Vehicle Fitness Test. Only after passing it can your vehicle be deemed roadworthy.

4. Will this rule affect cars already older than 8 years?

Yes. Once implemented, the rule will apply to all private vehicles that have completed 8 years since registration.

Final Thoughts

This proposed rule may feel like an additional responsibility for car owners, but it’s designed with public safety and the environment in mind. By encouraging regular vehicle inspection and leveraging automated fitness centers, the government aims to ensure only safe, well-maintained vehicles stay on the roads.

Click here to learn more