Bike fitness certificate guide – All you need to know

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From legal requirements to maintenance advice, our blog helps you know in depth about bike fitness certificate, cost, renewal and download to keep your rides legal and safe.

What is a motorcycle fitness certificate?

A Vehicle Fitness Certificate is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or its equivalent authority in a specific region. It is a vital document certifying a vehicle’s safety and emission standards mandated by the RTO. The certificate verifies a vehicle’s roadworthiness and compliance, ensuring that essential components such as brakes, lights, and steering are in proper condition.

Importance of a bike Fitness Certificate

Ensures Safety and Reduces Emissions

A valid FC ensures that the motorcycle is safe to operate, reducing the risk of accidents due to mechanical failures. Regular inspections help identify and address emission issues, contributing to cleaner air.

Legal Compliance

Driving a motorcycle without a valid FC is a punishable offence in India, with fines varying by state. Ensuring your vehicle has a valid FC helps you comply with traffic laws and avoid penalties.

Cost Savings

Regular FC checks can save money on repairs by detecting potential problems early and preventing expensive repairs later.

Environmental Benefits

Maintaining optimal emission levels through regular bike fitness certificate renewals helps reduce vehicular pollution, creating a healthier environment.

Issuance authority for bike fitness certificates in India

Role of the Regional Transport Office (RTO)

The primary authority responsible for issuing motorcycle fitness certificates in India is the Regional Transport Office (RTO). The RTO, or its equivalent authority in a specific region, conducts the inspection and issues the fitness certificate. This process ensures that the vehicle meets the required safety and emission standards.

Central Government Regulations

Through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the central government sets the overarching regulations and guidelines for vehicle fitness certification. These regulations are part of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, which have been amended over time to incorporate new standards and procedures. The central government mandates that fitness certificates for all motor vehicles, including motorcycles, must be obtained from registered Automated Testing Stations (ATS) starting from specific dates.

State Government Involvement

While the central government provides the regulatory framework, the actual issuance and inspection process is carried out by the state-level RTOs. Vehicle owners must select their state and the relevant RTO when applying for a fitness certificate online through the Parivahan Sewa website operated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This indicates a collaborative approach where the central government sets the rules, and the state governments implement them through their respective RTOs.

Automated Testing Stations (ATS)

In 2024, motorcycles and other vehicles must get their fitness certificates from Automated Testing Stations (ATS). These stations use mechanical equipment to automate the tests to check a vehicle’s fitness. The central government has allowed entities such as state governments, companies, and associations to open ATS to test the fitness of both personal and transport vehicles.

Validity of Fitness Certificate

Initial Validity

The initial fitness certificate is valid for 15 years from registration for new motorcycles. This period ensures the vehicle is in good condition and meets safety and emission standards.

Renewal After 15 Years

After the initial 15-year period, the fitness certificate for motorcycles must be renewed every 1 year or 5 years. This bike fitness certificate renewal process involves a thorough inspection by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to ensure continued safety and emission standards compliance. This renewal is necessary due to the higher likelihood of mechanical failures and increased emissions from older vehicles.

Application Process for bike fitness Certificate

Offline Process

1. Visit the RTO: Fill out the application form (Form 20) available at the RTO.
2. Submit Documents: Provide necessary documents such as the original registration certificate, valid pollution under control certificate, vehicle insurance certificate, payment receipt for road tax, photo identity proof, address proof, and previous FC if applicable.
3. Pay Fees: The FC fee varies depending on the state and vehicle engine capacity, typically ranging from ₹100 to ₹500.
4. Vehicle Inspection: Get your vehicle inspected by the RTO on the allotted date.

Online Process

1. Visit Parivahan Sewa Website: Go to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ Parivahan Sewa website.
2. Select Services: Click the Online Services option and navigate to the Vehicles Related Section.
3. Enter Details: Select your state, enter your vehicle’s registration number, and select the RTO.
4. Apply for FC: Choose the Apply for Fitness Certificate option and enter your vehicle’s chassis and registered mobile number to receive an OTP.
5. Submit Details and Payment: Enter your insurance details, submit the information, and make the payment online.
6. Print Application: Take a printout of the payment receipt and application form.
7. Submit Documents: Submit the forms and required documents to the RTO.
8. Vehicle Inspection: Get your vehicle inspected by the RTO on the allotted date.

Process for bike fitness certifcate renewal

Inspection

The bike fitness certificate renewal process includes a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle by the RTO. This inspection covers essential components such as brakes, lights, and steering to ensure the vehicle’s roadworthiness.

Online Application

Vehicle owners can apply for the renewal of their bike fitness certificate online through the Parivahan Sewa website. The application process can be initiated 30 days before the current certificate expires.

Fees

The cost for renewing a bike fitness certificate varies depending on the states of India and the vehicle’s engine capacity. Typically, the bike fitness certificate cost ranges from ₹100 to ₹500 for motorcycles.

How to download Bike Fitness Certificate via DigiLocker

1. Register on DigiLocker: Download the DigiLocker app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and register using your mobile number.
2. Link Aadhaar: Link your Aadhaar number to your DigiLocker account for verification purposes.
3. Access the Fitness Certificate:
   1. Navigate to the ‘Issued Documents’ section.
   2. Search for the Fitness Certificate using your vehicle registration number.
   3. Download the bike fitness certificate to your DigiLocker account.

How to download Bike Fitness Certificate via mParivahan

1. Download and Register: Install the mParivahan app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and register using your mobile number.
2. Access Vehicle Details:
   1. Enter your vehicle registration number to fetch details from the National Register e-Services.
   2. Navigate to the ‘Fitness Certificate’ section.
3. Download the Certificate: Follow the prompts to download the digital copy of your Fitness Certificate.

Required Documents for bike fitness certificate

1. Application Form (Form 20): The primary application form for FC.
2. Pollution Under Control Certificate: Proof that the vehicle meets emission standards.
3. Insurance Certificate: Valid insurance policy for the vehicle.
4. Address Proof: Proof of the registered owner’s address.
5. PAN Card or Form 60 & Form 61: For financial verification.
6. Chassis & Engine Pencil Print: For vehicle identification.
7. Signature Identification of Owner: This is for verification purposes.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Driving a motorcycle without a valid Fitness certificate can result in fines ranging from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 for the first offence and Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 for repeat offences. In severe cases, imprisonment may also be imposed.

Other related articles from Bikeleague India

1. State wise Road Tax: Navigating India’s Two Wheeler Tax
2. Must have bike documents for travel in India
3. The dos and don’ts of bike modification & traffic rules in India
4. Medical Certificate for bike riders in India: Essential Guide
5. Tips to reduce your bike insurance premium in India

Conclusion

We hope this article covers all aspects of bike fitness certificate like cost, renewal, online download for motorcycles in India. If you have any other doubts or queries, email us at bikeleague2017@gmail.com or share your doubts or opinions in the comments section below. We are always eager to help and assist you. Also, here are several social media platforms of Bikeleague India to raise your suspicions.