HOW TO GET A VEHICLE FITNESS CERTIFICATE IN INDIA

You must have known that, professional guide always asks for a physical fitness certificate as a precautionary measure when we plan for a trekking or an expedition to the jungles. Similarly, our cars and bikes also require the vehicle fitness certificate to ensure meeting the required road safety standards. In India, road safety has become an important concern, which mandates the need for the fitness certificate for all kinds of personal and commercial vehicles across the nation.

In this blog post, we will understand the importance of a fitness certificate for vehicles, how to apply for it, what are the documents and fees included, and its validity period. We will also explore how Quickinsure can help you in this process of getting the certificate and simplify insurance and compliance needs.

 

What Does Vehicle Fitness Certificate Indicate?

A vehicle fitness certificate states that your vehicle is safe to be on the road and complies with necessary regulations. It represents that all parts of vehicles, including the engine, lights, horns, suspension, brakes, and tires are functioning well, thereby ensuring the overall structural integrity.  This certificate is actually issued by Regional Transport Offices, after thorough inspection by authorized testing agencies. Usually, the fitness certificate issued for new cars sustain for 15 years. This document is a proof for examining the roadworthiness and compliance of a vehicle in terms of road fitness.

Analyzing the Importance of Vehicle Fitness Certificate

This vehicle fitness certificate is mainly beneficial for maintaining road safety and protecting the environment. It assures that vehicles are in proper working condition and does not impose a risk to the driver, passengers, or other users on roads. Following are the factors that make this document very important for your vehicle:

1.  Complying with Legal Requirement

In India, acquiring and maintaining a vehicle fitness certificate is a paramount. According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1989, vehicle fitness certificate is a legal requirement which is essential for vehicle owners. If you fail to maintain a valid car fitness certificate or bike fitness certificate, it can lead to significant fines. In addition, if you make a repeated offense, it can lead to the suspension of your license or can suspend your vehicle registration.

2.  Maintaining Road Safety

As having the certificate means assessing the overall condition of the vehicle, it ensures that the vehicle is safe to be on the road and possess minimal risk of accidents due to mechanical failures. If you have a motor insurance policy then it can offer financial assistance for the damage caused due to the accident, but it cannot guarantee the fitness of the vehicle. So, when road safety is taken into consideration, the need for this certificate is mandatory. 

3. Reducing Environmental Impact

Over the years, when a vehicle gets older, it causes higher emissions. Acquiring this certificate can help focus on the importance of controlling vehicular emissions, which is one of the leading causes in reducing air pollution. It ensures that vehicles meet required emission standards to reduce their impact on degrading air quality.

Documents Required to Obtain a Vehicle Fitness Certificate

You need to submit a list of following requirements at the RTO to apply for a vehicle fitness certificate:

• Form 20, Form 21, and Form 22. These forms are required for fitness applications and they are easily available at the RTO or on the Parivahan portal.

• Vehicle registration certificate

• Proof of valid insurance

• Residential and address proof

• PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate

• Your Driver’s License

• Receipt of road tax payment

• Passport size photographs of the applicant or car owner

• Receipt of the fee that you have submitted

• Pencil impression of your vehicle chassis number

Steps for Applying for a Vehicle Fitness Certificate Online

If you are willing to apply for a vehicle fitness certificate online, here are the following that could assist you:

• Visit the official website of Parivahan, managed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

• Click on Online Services and go to the Vehicle Related Services section.

• Select your state, enter the vehicle registration number, and choose the RTO.

• Click on the “Apply for Fitness Certificate” option.

• Enter your vehicle’s chassis number and registered mobile number to receive a one-time password (OTP).

• Submit the OTP and verify the vehicle details displayed.

• Provide your insurance details. For example, if applying for a bike fitness certificate, enter the bike insurance policy information.

• Submit the required details and complete the online payment.

• Download and print the payment receipt and application form, which will also include the application number.

Steps for Applying for a Vehicle Fitness Certificate Offline

You can also apply for the vehicle fitness certificate offline. Here are the few steps that could assist you in the whole process:

• Visit your nearest RTO office.

• Fill out and submit Form 20 at the RTO.

• Attach the sales certificate (Form 21) along with your application.

• Pay the applicable fees for the fitness certificate.

• An RTO inspector will conduct a thorough examination of your vehicle.

• Once approved, your vehicle will be issued a fitness certificate valid for 15 years.

Vehicle Fitness Fees Structure for Obtaining a Fitness Certificate

The cost of obtaining a vehicle fitness certificate varies depending on the type of vehicle and the mode of testing, which is either manual or automated. Below is the detailed fee structure:

Additional Fees

Availing of a vehicle fitness certificate also include some additional fees which are as following:

• Granting or Renewal of Authority: ₹15,000

• Appeal under Rule 70: ₹3,000

• Duplicate Fitness Certificate (in case of loss of original): ₹7,500

What is the Validity of the Vehicle Fitness Certificate?

The validity for vehicle fitness certificate varies for different vehicles, which are as follows:

• Cars: 15 years

• Two-Wheelers: 15 years

• Commercial Vehicles (up to 8 years old): 2 years

Penalties for Not Having a Valid Fitness Certificate

• First-Time Offence: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000

• Repeated Offences: Up to ₹10,000 and may also lead to imprisonment

• Delayed Renewal: Fine of ₹50 per day, as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988

A Look into Vehicle Fitness Certificate Format

The standard format for a vehicle fitness certificate in India is specified in Form 38 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. This document is issued by the Regional Transport Office or an authorized testing station and certifies a transport vehicle as roadworthy. 

For private vehicles, a fitness certificate is issued for the first 15 years and is then renewed every 5 years. 

A Form 38 vehicle fitness certificate includes few information that vehicle owner should take a note of: 

Certificate details include:

• Certificate number

• Date of issue

Vehicle information include:

• Vehicle registration number

• Application number

• Chassis number

• Engine number

• Class or type of vehicle (e.g., LMV, school bus, auto-rickshaw)

• Type of body

• Manufacturer's name and year of manufacturing

• Seating capacity (including the driver)

• Unladen weight and gross vehicle weight (for commercial vehicles)

Validity and inspection details include:

• Date of inspection

• Date of expiry

• Next inspection due date

Issuing authority details include:

• Signature and designation of the inspecting authority (e.g., Motor Vehicle Inspector)

• Name of the RTO or authorized testing station 

How to Renew the Vehicle Fitness Certificate?

The fitness certificate of a car remains valid for 15 years from the date of registration. After this period, the owner has to renew the certificate, which will then be valid for 5 years and requires renewal again thereafter. The renewal process can be done conveniently online by following a few simple steps.

• Visit the Parivahan website.

• Go to the Services option present in the website, then select “Vehicle-Related Services”.

• After that, select the Fitness option.

• Choose your state.

• Enter your vehicle registration number.

• Click on Apply for Fitness Renewal.

• Provide your car’s chassis number and mobile number.

• Verify with the OTP received.

• Pay the renewal fee online and download the receipt.

• Visit the RTO on the assigned date for your car inspection. Once cleared, a new fitness certificate valid for 5 years will be issued.

What is the Fine Amount for an Expired Fitness Certificate (FC)?

In India, driving with an expired Fitness Certificate (FC) can lead to strict penalties. The fine for a first offence is between ₹2,000 and ₹5,000, while a second offence can cost you ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. Moreover, continued violations can even result in imprisonment.

For commercial vehicles, insurance claims are rejected without a valid FC. For private vehicles, this requirement generally applies once the vehicle is over 15 years old, when renewal becomes mandatory. So, keeping your fitness certificate up to date not only helps you avoid fines but also ensures compliance with safety and emission standards, thereby promoting both road safety and environmental protection.

How Can You Check the Fitness Certificate Status Online?

Firstly, you need to visit the official RTO website of your state to check the fitness certificate status online. Use your vehicle's registration number and other details to search for the fitness certificate status. Some state-specific RTO websites also provide this service. You can also track the progress of your application from your end and confirm whether the certificate has been issued by using the tracking number provided by the RTO  for this purpose.

How to Download the Vehicle Fitness Certificate?

Once your vehicle fitness certificate is issued, you can download it through your state's RTO portal. You just need to visit the RTO website, log in to your account, and go to the section where the fitness certificate is available. You can then download and print the certificate for your records.

How to Get a Duplicate Vehicle Fitness Certificate?

In case you lose your vehicle fitness certificate, you can apply for a duplicate through the RTO. For this, visit the RTO office, fill out the appropriate form, and use it along with supporting documents, such as a copy of the vehicle’s registration certificate and a police report in case of theft. The duplicate certificate will be issued after verification.

What is the Connection Between a Vehicle , a Fitness Certificate and Car Insurance?

Your car insurance is one of the essential documents needed by the RTO when you apply for a new fitness certificate or renew an existing one. According to the recent rules made by the state judiciary,  insurance companies still pay compensation even if your car’s fitness certificate has expired. However, as a responsible car owner, it’s always better to keep your fitness certificate updated. This will help you avoid any trouble or delays if you ever need to make an insurance claim.

Final Words

Every vehicle owner should maintain a valid vehicle fitness certificate not just for a legal formality but for a responsibility toward one's own and other’s safety. It ensures that your vehicle meets essential safety and emission standards, protecting you, your passengers, and others on the road. Whether you own a private car, two-wheeler, or commercial vehicle, timely application and renewal of the certificate is a must. As a responsible citizen, try to avoid penalties, extend your vehicle’s life, and contribute to a safer, cleaner driving environment.

You can get expert guidance on vehicle documents and affordable insurance plans at Quickinsure.

FAQs:

1. What is a Vehicle Fitness Certificate and who issues it?

A Vehicle Fitness Certificate is an official document issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) after inspection, confirming that your vehicle is safe, roadworthy, and meets emission standards.

2. How long is a Vehicle Fitness Certificate valid?

For private cars and two-wheelers, the certificate is valid for 15 years from the date of registration, and thereafter it must be renewed every 5 years. For commercial vehicles up to 8 years old, it is valid for 2 years and 1 year after that.

3. Can I apply for a Vehicle Fitness Certificate online?

Yes, you can apply online via the Parivahan portal. The process includes submitting vehicle details, insurance information, and paying fees online, followed by a physical inspection at the RTO.

4. What documents are required to apply for a Fitness Certificate?

You need Form 20, 21, and 22, the vehicle registration certificate, insurance proof, PUC certificate, driver’s license, address proof, road tax receipt, passport-size photos, and the chassis number pencil impression.

5. What are the penalties for not having a valid Fitness Certificate?

Driving without a valid certificate can attract fines ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 for the first offence and ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 for repeat offences. Persistent violations may even lead to imprisonment.

6. Can I pay the motor vehicle fitness fee online?

You can pay the Fitness Certificate fees online through the Parivahan portal.

7. How can I find my vehicle’s chassis and engine number for renewing the fitness certificate?
You can find your vehicle’s chassis and engine number on the registration certificate (RC) or in the owner’s manual. These numbers are also embossed on the vehicle’s body, usually under the windshield or near the engine.

8. How do I register my phone number to receive an OTP for applying for a fitness certificate?
To register your phone number for OTP verification, visit your local RTO's online portal, create an account, and update your contact details. Ensure your phone number is linked to your vehicle’s registration for seamless OTP delivery.

9. What should I do if my vehicle fails the fitness certificate test?
If your vehicle fails the fitness certificate test, you must address the identified issues, such as faulty brakes, lights, or emission levels. After repairs, you can reapply for the test and ensure the vehicle meets all standards.

10. What is the process for the extension of the validity of vehicle FC?
The vehicle Fitness Certificate validity extension process remains the same as the renewal. You can follow the FC renewal steps mentioned in this article.