A Regional Transport Office (RTO) Vehicle Fitness Certificate is issued to vehicles used for commercial purposes. Non-transport vehicles i.e. private vehicles like cars or bikes do not need a fitness certificate. Private vehicles require a roadworthiness certificate. Earlier, it was possible to make an application for getting a Fitness Certificate only by personally visiting the nearest RTO. However, thanks to digitization this process can partially be completed online. After making an online application for a fitness certificate, the applicant can visit the RTO for the inspection process. This article contains all the information that is required for getting a fitness certificate for a commercial vehicle from a Regional Transport Office (RTO). Read on to know more.
Apart from following traffic rules and regulations, commercial vehicles have an additional responsibility of safely transporting either passengers or goods. To complete this task successfully, a vehicle needs to be fit in every aspect possible to ply on a public road. The vehicle is inspected for being in a perfect working condition by a Regional Transport Office (RTO) and after a thorough inspection, the RTO issues a vehicle fitness certificate. This document holds a high place of value as the Registration Certificate is deemed invalid without a proper fitness certificate.
It is mandatory for a commercial vehicle to carry a fitness certificate because through the inspection process, the vehicle can be screened for technical faults, mechanical issues, emission issues, or overall working condition of the vehicle. This process helps in avoiding pollution due to the release of harmful byproducts in the environment. A vehicle that is technically and mechanically fit can increase the on-road safety for people in and around it. Such inspections can also help identify any issues that can later pose a problem like frequent breakdowns. The fitness certificate issued by an RTO can be used to keep updated with the condition of a commercial vehicle of any type or capacity.
Open the browser from any internet-enabled device like a smartphone, tablet, or a laptop. Visit the official website of the Government of India’s Ministry of Road Transport & Highways Parivahan Sewa
Select “Online Services” > “Vehicle Related Services”
Here you will see two options for selecting the state where you reside – Delhi & Sikkim State and other states. Click on the relevant option. If you select
Delhi & Sikkim State you will be redirected here and if you select other states you will be taken here.
Create an account and proceed to enter your vehicle’s registration number. Next select Application for Fitness Certificate > Enter Chassis number > Enter Mobile Number > Click Generate OTP
Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number and click “Show Details”. Verify these details for correctness and click on “Payment” > Confirm Payment. Then select the desired payment gateway and make an online payment.
Note the application number and visit the nearest RTO for details regarding date, time, and venue for vehicle inspection. Appear at the given date and time for getting the vehicle inspected.
In case of defects or technical faults, the inspector will suggest repairs that are needed to be performed on the vehicle. A fitness certificate will not be issued if the faults are not rectified before the next inspection date. If no issues are found, you will be granted a fitness certificate for the vehicle.
RTO FC fee structure mainly depends upon the type of vehicle for which a Fitness Certificate is sought. As per the steps for getting a vehicle fitness certificate, the fees should be paid while making an online application for the same. The following table lists the current fee structure related to the fitness certificate. This table is sourced from the Parivahan website. An applicant needs to pay the prescribed amount of fee to avail a fitness certificate. These are spent towards the processing and issuing of the certificate. Note that the fee structure may change in the future or maybe slightly different for different RTOs.
