Fri Nov 21 06:22:50 UTC 2025: Summary:

The Central government of India has increased vehicle fitness test fees significantly, up to ten times the previous rate, impacting vehicle owners in Kerala. The Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has enforced these revised rates, effective November 17th. The revised fees are tiered based on vehicle age (10-15 years, 15-20 years, and over 20 years), with older vehicles facing dramatically higher fees. This is expected to accelerate the removal of older vehicles from the roads. Even vehicle owners who paid the old fee but did not complete the test before the deadline must pay the new rate.

News Article:

Kerala Vehicle Owners Hit Hard by Steep Hike in Fitness Test Fees

Thiruvananthapuram, November 21, 2025 – Vehicle owners in Kerala are facing a significant increase in costs following a substantial hike in vehicle fitness test fees mandated by the Central government. The Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has implemented the revised rates, effective November 17th, 2025, leaving many vehicle owners feeling the financial strain.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways recently amended the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, leading to fee increases of up to ten times the previous rates. A new three-tier classification system based on vehicle age (10-15 years, 15-20 years, and over 20 years) has been introduced, with fees escalating sharply for older vehicles.

For example, the fitness test fee for heavy-duty vehicles (trucks, buses) exceeding 20 years has skyrocketed to ₹25,000, a massive jump from the previous ₹800. Similar increases apply across all vehicle categories. Cars over 20 years old now require a ₹15,000 fitness test, compared to the previous ₹600. Autorickshaw fees in the oldest category jump to ₹7,000 from ₹600.

Adding to the burden, the Kerala MVD has stated that vehicle owners who paid the old fees before November 17th but failed to complete the fitness test before the deadline will also be required to pay the revised, higher fees.

Officials anticipate the increased fees will encourage the removal of older, potentially polluting vehicles from the roads. However, many vehicle owners in Kerala view the hike as yet another financial burden. The changes come as the Centre amended rules on November 11 placing the fitness fees for vehicles at 10 years onward, whereas the old rules were for vehicles 15 years onward.

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