Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has deferred the proposed hike in vehicle fitness certificate renewal fees for three months following strong opposition from transport operators.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, on November 11, 2024, issued an order revising the fitness certificate (FC) renewal fees for all categories of vehicles across India. Acting on draft guidelines, the State Transport Department implemented the revised vehicle fitness certificate fees on its online portal from December 17, with charges varying based on the year of vehicle registration.

The revision triggered concern within the transport sector as the increase was substantial in several categories. Notably, the fitness certificate renewal fee for heavy vehicles rose from ₹850 to as high as ₹17,110, marking a sharp escalation in compliance costs for commercial vehicle owners.

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The move drew strong protests from lorry operators, who described the hike as excessive and abrupt. The State Lorry Owners Association - Tamil Nadu announced an indefinite strike from midnight on February 25, opposing the steep increase in FC renewal charges.

Amid mounting pressure, Transport Minister S S Sivasankar took up the matter with the Transport Commissioner, seeking reconsideration of the revised rates.

In response, the State government decided to keep the vehicle fitness certificate fee hike in abeyance for three months. Officials from the Transport Commissionerate said that during the deferment period, fitness certificates for lorries and other vehicles will continue to be issued at the existing rates.

The temporary relief is expected to ease tensions within the transport industry while the government reviews the revised vehicle fitness renewal fee structure.