Just like an ISI mark determines if a product is up to standards for consumption, a vehicle fitness certificate determines if a vehicle is road-ready or not. As per the Motor Vehicle Act 1989, a vehicle should have a vehicle fitness certificate before it being used on public roads. Let us understand what is a vehicle fitness certificate, how to apply for one and what are the consequences of not having one.
What is a Vehicle Fitness Certificate?
A Vehicle Fitness Certificate is a piece of document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to a vehicle that indicates the vehicle is road-worthy. There are a series of quality checks conducted before the vehicle is passed on to the dealership from the manufacturer/ These quality tests help determine the vehicle’s ability to operate on Indian roads. In India, the vehicle fitness certificate is valid for 15 years for a new non transport vehicle. As time progresses, the vehicle faces wear and tear, causing its overall performance to degrade. Hence after 15 years it is necessary and legally required to renew your vehicle fitness certificate.
Why is the Vehicle Fitness Certificate Important?
Having a Vehicle FC is important because in India because:
- It is a legal requirement. Your vehicle should have a fitness certificate in order to drive on Indian public roads.
- Insurance companies will only provide you an insurance policy if your vehicle is road worthy, i.e. your vehicle has a fitness certificate.
- A vehicle FC also makes sure the emission levels of the vehicle are in check.
- A vehicle FC also makes sure an unfit car does not cause any accidents on the public road.
- It also determines if an old car (more than 15 years old) is still road-worthy for Indian public roads or not.
Documents Required to Obtain a Vehicle Fitness Certificate
The following documents are required to be presented at the RTO in order to obtain a vehicle fitness certificate:
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
- Insurance Certificate
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
- Road Tax Payment Receipt
- Chassis Number Impression
- Passport-sized photographs
- ID Proof
- Address Proof
- Form 20,21 and 22
RTO Charges for acquiring a Vehicle Fitness Certificate
Given below is a table showing prescribed fees required for a vehicle fitness certificate
| Vehicle Type | Manual Testing | Automated Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Two-wheelers (Bikes & Scooters) | ₹200 | ₹400 |
| Light Motor Vehicles (Three-wheelers) | ₹400 | ₹600 |
| Heavy/Medium Motor Vehicles (Commercial Vehicles) | ₹600 | ₹1000 |
How to Apply for a Vehicle Fitness Certificate Online?
You can apply for a vehicle fitness certificate online through the Parivaahan website:
- Visit Parivahan Portal
- Go-to Online Services > Vehicle Related Services
- Select your state
- Enter your vehicle registration number and select the RTO
- Select Application for Vehicle Fitness Certificate
- Provide your vehicle’s chassis number and your phone number
- Enter the OTP
- Make payment online and print the receipt
- After that you will be assigned a date to take your vehicle to the designated RTO
- There, the vehicle will be inspected for road-worthiness
If the vehicle is road worthy, the certificate will be given to you digitally which you can keep a soft copy of.
If the vehicle is unfit, the certificate will be delayed until repairs are done to make the vehicle road worthy.
How to Apply for a Vehicle Fitness Certificate Offline?
In order to apply for a vehicle fitness certificate offline, do the following steps:
- Print the application form from Parivahan website or collect it from the RTO
- Fill the required details and submit the necessary documents
- Pay the prescribed fees
- After that, your vehicle will be inspected for road worthiness.
- If your vehicle passes the inspection test, the vehicle fitness certificate will be issued.
What is the Validity of the Vehicle Fitness Certificate?
The following table represents the validity of Vehicle Fitness Certificate:
| Vehicle Type | Fitness Certificate Validity |
|---|---|
| Cars | 15 years |
| Two-wheelers | 15 years |
| Commercial Vehicles (up to 8 years old) | 2 years |
How to Check Vehicle Fitness Certificate Status Online?
Follow these steps to check your vehicle FC status online:
- Visit Parivahan Porta
- Login to your account
- Enter your application number / vehicle registration number
- Enter Captcha
- All the details regarding your vehicle will be displayed (RC, Insurance, Fitness Certificate, etc.)
Also, some states provide this feature on their RTO Website, you can check your status there as well.
From this page, you can also download a PDF for your vehicle fitness certificate.
How to Renew Vehicle Fitness Certificate Online?
After a period of 15 years for non-transport vehicles, the vehicle fitness certificate needs to be renewed (2 years for commercial vehicles above the age of 8 years). This process can be done online through Parivahan website:
You can apply for a vehicle fitness certificate online through the Parivaahan website:
- Visit Parivahan Portal
- Go-to Online Services > Other Services
- Select your state
- Enter your vehicle registration number and select the RTO
- Select Application for Renewal of Vehicle Fitness Certificate
- Provide your vehicle’s chassis number and your phone number
- Enter the OTP
- Make payment online and print the receipt
- After that you will be assigned a date to take your vehicle to the designated RTO
- There, the vehicle will be inspected for road-worthiness
How Much is the Fine for an Expired Vehicle Fitness Certificate?
It is legally required to have a vehicle fitness certificate, and it should be renewed if expired. Failing to do so can lead to hefty fines.
- For first offence the fine is ₹2000-₹5000
- For repeated offences the fine is ₹5000-₹10,000
- In severe cases, the car can be impounded as well.
- Along with this, if the FC is expired, ₹50 per day until renewed is the penalty for late renewal.
Final Thoughts
Having a valid vehicle fitness certificate is legal and essential to drive on public roads of India just like having a third-party car insurance. Failing to carry one may lead to hefty fines. The entire process of applying for FC can be done through the Parivahan portal. A fitness certificate determines the road-worthiness of your vehicle and also controls the emission levels of your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my vehicle fails the fitness certificate test?
You must repair the identified issues and apply for a re-inspection at the RTO.
How to get a duplicate fitness certificate for a car online?
Apply through the Parivahan portal, pay the required fee, and visit the RTO for verification.
Is a Vehicle Fitness Certificate necessary for selling a car?
Yes, it is mandatory if the car is older than 15 years.
What is the process to extend the validity of a vehicle’s fitness certificate?
Apply at the RTO, undergo a fitness test, and pay the renewal fee.
Can I download a PDF of my car fitness certificate?
Yes, you can download it from the Parivahan portal after approval.
Where can I find the Vehicle Fitness Certificate number?
It is mentioned on the fitness certificate issued by the RTO or at the Parivahan Portal
