Govt plans to make fitness testing of vehicles through Automated Testing Stations mandatory from 2023 onwards

New Delhi, Feb 4: The government plans to make fitness testing of vehicles through Automated Testing Stations mandatory in a phased manner starting from April next year.

An Automated Testing Station (ATS) uses mechanical equipment to automate the various tests required to check the fitness of a vehicle.

The requirement will be put in place in a phased manner. Fitness testing for heavy goods vehicles and heavy passenger motor vehicles through an ATS will be mandatory from April 1, 2023. as per the draft notification.

According to the draft notification, renewal of certificate of fitness will be for two years for commercial vehicles (transport) that are up to eight years old and one year for commercial vehicles (transport) that are older than eight years.

Last year, the ministry said that entities like special purpose vehicles, state governments, companies, associations and body of individuals may be allowed to open ATS for testing fitness of both personal and transport vehicles.

Fitness testing for personal vehicle (non-transport) is done at the time of renewal of registration (after 15 years).