New Rules for vehicles Fitness and Renewal , Govt Amended Central Motor Vehicles Rules

New Rules for vehicles Fitness and Renewal Govt Amended Central Motor Vehicles Rules

• Uniform Fitness Forms: Form 38A is deleted. Both transport and non-transport vehicles will now use Form 38 .
• Exemption for New Vehicles: New, fully built non-transport vehicles are exempt from initial fitness checks . They are deemed fit for 15 years from registration .
• Extended Renewal Cycle: Non-transport vehicles require fitness certificate renewal every five years 
• Testing Monopolies Prohibited: Local vehicle repair service stations cannot own or operate Automated Testing Stations (ATS) in their same district.

• Mandatory Geo-Tagged Video: Fitness tests require capturing a 10-second geo-tagged video via a central mobile app .
• Multi-Angle Coverage: Videos must show the front, rear, right, and left sides  Plates, chassis numbers, and vehicle features must be clear.
• Stringent Data Retention: Automated stations must preserve all test logs, photos, and videos for 6 months for audits .
• Strict Slot Booking Pre-requisites: Booking a fitness test slot requires real-time validation of insurance, permits, and Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates 

• Automated Mandate: Light Motor Vehicles must use an operational ATS within that jurisdiction ,
• Speed Governor Protocols: Inspectors must visually confirm secure fitment, unbroken seals, and intact wiring 
• VLT and HSRP Tracking: Vehicle Location Tracking (VLT) devices must be active in the VAHAN database (pp. 3, 9). The integrated e-SIM validity must cover the period until the next scheduled fitness test . High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) must include the third mark on the windshield.
• Reflectors and Safety Belts: Retro-reflective tapes must match Rule 104 standards (pp. 4, 9). Seatbelt anchorage, G-locks, and reminder alarms will undergo functional checks .

• The 180-Day Rule: Vehicles failing a fitness test must be certified “Fit” within 180 days of the first “Unfit” declaration or before the current fitness certificate expires, whichever is later .
• ELV Classification: Failing to secure a “Fit” rating within this window triggers automatic classification as an “End of Life Vehicle” (ELV) in the VAHAN database.
• State Extensions: Local registering authorities can grant extensions beyond 180 days only under exceptional circumstances .
• Re-test Fee Changes: Sub-rules allowing multiple free or unstructured re-tests are deleted
• Standardized testing fees under Rule 81 apply to subsequent re-tests .

Refer Publication of Notification under Central Motor Vehicles (Sixth Amendment) Rules, 2026.