India’s Vehicle Fitness Program: A Guide to Scrapping Old Cars

Pollution caused by cars reaching maturity (over 15 years old) is profoundly significant. These vehicles should be retired peacefully, making way for new models to enter the market and hit the road.

Need to be Certified Fit to Hit the Road

The Voluntary Vehicle Fleet Modernization Program was introduced to eliminate old and unfit vehicles from Indian roads. The policy takes effect when you register a car for a Fitness Certificate, at which point the vehicle undergoes an automated fitness test.

From June 1, 2024, onwards, all passenger and commercial vehicles over 15 years old will be required to undergo a fitness test through Automated Testing Stations (ATS).

Fitness Certification

Fitness testing is mandatory for all Commercial Vehicle (CV) owners every two years for the first eight years and annually thereafter. For Private Vehicle (PV) owners, the first registration is valid for 15 years, and subsequent renewals are valid for 5 years. According to the revised policy, fitness testing of old and unfit vehicles is to be fully automated.

The Cost Factor

The issuance of a Registration Certificate will cost Rs 600, and the renewal fee after 15 years is Rs 5000. Automated Testing Stations will charge a fee of Rs 1000 for the Fitness Test. The renewal of the Fitness Certificate also costs Rs 1000.

For vehicles over 15 years old, Heavy Goods/Passenger Vehicles and Medium Goods/Passenger Vehicles will be charged Rs 1500 and Rs 1300 respectively for fitness tests via Automated Testing Facilities. For Light Motor Vehicles (LMV), the fee is Rs 1000.

RC issuance or renewal will cost Rs 7500 for LMVs, Rs 10,000 for Medium Goods/Passenger Vehicles, and Rs 12,500 for Heavy Goods/Passenger Vehicles.

What if it Fails?

If your vehicle fails the test, one retest will be allowed after the required repairs and re-inspection. Remember, this provision is valid only if orders are received from an Appellate Authority. If the result remains the same, the vehicle shall be deemed unfit, and the ATS will issue an End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) certificate. You will not be able to renew the vehicle’s registration certificate. 

Contact your nearest authorised scrapping centre for your unfit car. Eccel Recycling is the first government-registered scrapping facility in West Bengal. As a renowned metal recycling hub, it guarantees the best price for your scrapped vehicle and ensures its proper disposal.

Documentation

The authorised scrapping facility will ask you for these documents:

• Original Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle

• Photocopy of the PAN card of the vehicle owner

• End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Certificate

• Identity proof of the vehicle owner (Voter’s card/Aadhaar card/Driving licence)

• Address proof of the vehicle owner

• Digital photograph of the individual holding the ELV Certificate

• An undertaking from the vehicle owner declaring that all the data provided is authentic

Remember

Scrapping your vehicle is a hassle-free process once you have all the necessary information. You can find all the details about scrapping unfit and old cars here with us. The Eccel Recycling team is ready to address all your questions to ensure a smooth experience when scrapping your old vehicle.