What is vehicle fitness certificate?+
Mandatory document for commercial and old vehicles certifying they are roadworthy, pollution-compliant, and meet safety standards. Issued by RTO after physical inspection. Validity: 1-2 years.
Who needs fitness certificate?+
All commercial vehicles: taxis, autos, buses, trucks, school vans, ambulances. Private vehicles older than 15 years also need fitness test for renewal. New private vehicles get FC at registration.
Fitness certificate cost?+
Goods vehicles: Rs 600-2,000 per renewal. Passenger vehicles: Rs 800-2,500. Tests include brakes, lights, emissions, body condition, tyres, safety equipment. Failed tests need repair + retest fee.
What is checked in fitness test?+
Brakes, lights, indicators, horn, wipers, tyres, body condition, chassis, emissions (PUC), seatbelts, mirrors, safety equipment, fire extinguisher (commercial), insurance validity, road tax payment.
Fitness renewal frequency?+
New commercial: 2-year validity. Renewal: 1-2 years for buses/taxis, 6-12 months for trucks. After 8 years: annual renewal. After 15 years: semi-annual checks for some categories.
What if vehicle fails fitness test?+
Repair issues identified, retest in 30-60 days. Multiple failures may lead to deregistration. Common failures: high emissions, faulty brakes/lights, expired insurance, unpaid road tax.
Penalty for no fitness certificate?+
Driving commercial vehicle without valid FC: Rs 10,000 fine + vehicle impoundment + insurance void. Police checking common at toll plazas. Renew before expiry to avoid penalties.
Mobile/automated fitness centers?+
Many states have automated fitness testing centers (ATF) with computerized testing. Faster than manual RTO testing. Mandatory ATF tests now in major cities for accuracy and corruption prevention.