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Vehicle Fitness Certificate
In India, every vehicle is issued with a vehicle fitness certificate (FC) which is usually valid for 2 years in case of a commercial vehicle and 15 years in case of your car and bike just like the registration certificate (RC). A fitness certificate is a mandatory document like your insurance policy, RC, driving license, etc. It is also compulsory as per the Motor Vehicle Act and helps to avoid penalties.
What is a Vehicle Fitness Certificate (FC)?
A fitness certificate is an official document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) after a thorough inspection of your vehicle. It is used to certify that the vehicle meets the required safety, emission, and operational standards laid down by the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This certificate is mandatory for all vehicles in India, including bikes, cars, trucks, taxis, auto-rickshaws, buses, etc.
Just like your motor insurance policy, a vehicle fitness certificate is also a mandatory document to ply on the Indian roads and even file a claim with your insurer. You must also have a valid fitness certificate to renew your expired RC.
Why Do You Need a Vehicle Fitness Certificate?
Here are some of the important reasons to have a vehicle fitness certificate:
Legal Mandate: Driving a vehicle without a valid fitness certificate is a punishable offense. The penalty for driving your vehicle without a valid FC is usually ₹2,000 for the first offense and ₹10,000 in case of subsequent offense.
Ensures Road Safety: An FC ensures that the vehicle has undergone rigorous inspections, confirming its mechanical safety. This step reduces the risk of accidents caused by any mechanical breakdowns, such as faulty brakes, lights, steering, and ensures protection against third party liabilities, owner-drivers, cargo, etc.
Adherence to Environmental Standards: Due to the increasing air pollution levels, your fitness certificate also ensures that your commercial or private vehicle meets the prescribed emission norms and adheres to the environmental standards.
Who Needs a Vehicle Fitness Certificate?
Having a vehicle fitness certificate is mandatory for all. Hence, owners of the following vehicles need an FC:
Private Cars
Two-Wheelers (Bikes and Scooters)
All Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Trucks and lorries
Commercial taxis and auto-rickshaws
Buses and school vans
Light commercial vehicles (LCVs)
Heavy goods carrying vehicles
Vehicle Fitness Certificate Validity
The following table highlights the validity of the fitness certificate for all vehicles:
| Category | Initial Validity | Renewal |
| Cars | 15 Years | Every 5 Years |
| Two Wheelers | 15 Years | Every 5 Years |
| Commercial Vehicles | 2 Years from the registration date | Every 1 Year |
How to Apply for a Vehicle Fitness Certificate?
You can apply for a vehicle fitness certificate both online and offline by following the steps mentioned below.
Online Application
Step 1: Visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways Parivahan Sewa at parivahan.gov.in.
Step 2: Select "Online Services" from the dropdown and choose "Vehicle Related Services."
Step 3: Select your state of residence and your RTO
Step 4: Enter your vehicle's registration number and submit.
Step 5: Apply for the fitness certificate by entering the details, such as chassis number, mobile number, and insurance validity.
Step 6: Upload all the required documents and pay the fees
Step 7: Book your preferred inspection slot at the local RTO.
Step 8: Take your vehicle for the physical inspection on the scheduled date and time. Upon successful inspection, your fitness certificate will be issued.
Offline Application
Step 1: Visit your zonal RTO and collect the necessary forms.
Step 2: Fill out the forms and submit them along with all the required documents.
Step 3: Pay the fees and get your vehicle inspected.
Step 4: After approvals, the fitness certificate will be provided to you or dispatched to your address.
Documents Required for Vehicle Fitness Certificate
You must have the following documents to get your vehicle fitness certificate:
Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
Valid Motor Insurance Policy
Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
Road Tax Receipt
Previous Fitness Certificate (if applicable)
Identity proof of the vehicle owner
Application form (Form 38)
How to Renew a Vehicle Fitness Certificate Online?
You can renew the vehicle fitness certificate online using the steps mentioned below:
Visit parivahan.gov.in
Click on online vehicle related services and select your state and RTO
Enter your vehicle registration details and select "Apply for Fitness Renewal"
Upload all the documents required and pay the fees
Schedule an inspection appointment and get your certificate issued
Note: It's recommended to renew your FC at least 15 days before expiry to avoid penalties.
Vehicle Fitness Certificate Fees
The cost to get your vehicle fitness certificate is mentioned in the table below:
| Category | Fee |
| Two-wheelers (Bikes & Scooters) | Manual Testing: ₹ 200 Automated Testing: ₹ 400 |
| Light Motor Vehicles | Manual Testing: ₹ 400 Automated Testing: ₹ 600 |
| Heavy/Medium Motor Vehicles | Manual Testing: ₹ 600 Automated Testing: ₹ 1000 |
| Granting or Renewal of Fitness Certificate | ₹200 |
| Granting or Renewal of Authority | ₹15,000 |
| Appeal under Rule 70 | ₹3,000 |
| Duplicate Fitness Certificate (if the original is lost) | ₹7,500 |
Vehicle Fitness Certificate: FAQs
If you have a two-wheeler or a private car, you need to renew your vehicle fitness certificate every 5 years, whereas in the case of a commercial vehicle, the certificate must be renewed every year.
Yes, you can apply for a re-examination after you fix the issues after 7 days.
You can carry an online copy issued by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways downloaded from parivahan.gov.in.
Yes, you must have a valid RC to get a fitness certificate in case it expires.
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