The Kerala government has issued a gazette notification slashing the vehicle fitness tests by up to 50%.
The Union government had significantly increased the fitness test fees for vehicles by introducing a three-tier classification system. After the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways increased the fees by amending the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (Fifth Amendment), the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) enforced the revised rates for fitness tests, effective November 17, 2025.
The move faced backlash from vehicle owners in Kerala, prompting the State government to lower fees for vehicles over 15 years via a gazette notification. An explanatory note said that the Union government notification, G.S.R. (850)(E) dated November 11, 2025, has amended rule 81 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, thus increasing the fee for renewal of the certificate of fitness for certain age categories of vehicles.
However, motor transport associations criticised the revised fee as excessive, particularly affecting operators in the public transport sector where a large number of vehicles are over 15 years old. Taking into account the fact that the steep increase is likely to affect the operational viability of transport operators and the general public who rely on public transport services, the State government decided to reduce the enhanced fee.
