Vehicle Lifespan Regulations in India: Are You Required to Scrap a Car After 15 Years?

As a car owner in India, understanding the regulations concerning the lifespan of personal vehicles such as cars is crucial. This article delves into the key points, regulations, and policies related to vehicle lifespan, shedding light on your responsibilities and options.

Key Points: 15-Year Rule and Scrapping Policy

The Central Government's 15-Year Rule: According to the rules implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), personal vehicles like cars that are registered in certain regions, particularly in Delhi and other metropolitan areas, are required to be off the roads after 15 years unless they pass a fitness test.

1. 15-Year Rule

Personal vehicles, including cars, older than 15 years must undergo a fitness test to continue being used on roads. This regulation ensures the safety and reliability of older vehicles, which are often more prone to mechanical issues.

2. Fitness Test

Owners of vehicles older than 15 years must obtain a fitness certificate from the appropriate authorities to legally drive their vehicles. This certificate is mandatory for the vehicle to pass inspection, ensuring that it meets the safety standards required for road use.

3. Scrapping Policy

The government encourages the scrapping of older vehicles through a vehicle scrapping policy. This policy includes incentives for scrapping old vehicles and purchasing new ones, promoting environmental sustainability and safer roads.

State Variations: Extensions and Scrapping Certificates

Delhi NCR Specifics: In 2019, the Delhi NCR region introduced a rule to ban vehicles older than 15 years for petrol and 10 years for diesel. However, similar policies may vary across different states in India.

4. Extended Registration

While the central government has set guidelines, individual states may have their own specific rules and enforcement practices. For example, in some states, owners can apply for a 5-year extended registration provided their vehicle passes a fitness test. To do this, you need to:

This extension allows you to continue using the vehicle for an additional 5 years, during which time it must pass regular fitness tests.

5. Scrapping Your Vehicle

If you wish to scrap your vehicle, the government has provided a certificate that you can submit when purchasing a new vehicle for a discount. This process not only promotes the acquisition of newer, safer vehicles but also contributes to environmental conservation efforts.

Renewal of Registration and Road Tax

Renewal Process: After the initial 15-year period, you need to renew the registration of your vehicle. Typically, this registration is valid for another 5 years, and the vehicle must be inspected for its fitness by the relevant authorities (RTO).

In addition to the fitness test, you must also pay the road tax, which helps fund road maintenance and other transportation-related services.

After 5 Years: After the 5-year period, you need to repeat the process of renewing the registration, obtaining the fitness certificate, and paying the road tax. This cycle ensures that all vehicles remain safe and up to date with regulatory standards.

Conclusion

In summary, while you are not legally required to discard a car after it reaches 15 years of age, you must ensure that it passes the necessary fitness tests to legally operate it on the roads. The availability of extensions and incentives for scrapping older vehicles provides flexibility and support for responsible vehicle ownership.