Vehicle Fitness Certificate (FC): Application, Renewal, Cost & Validity

What Is a Vehicle Fitness Certificate?

In simple terms, the answer to “What is FC in bike?” is that it is a document that certifies the roadworthiness of the vehicle. It is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and works as proof of assurance that the bike has a solid mechanical health and is in compliance with the emission and safety norms prescribed by the government.

The FC for two wheeler has a specific validity, and after it expires, you will need to renew it in accordance with the recommended schedule if you want to keep operating the vehicle on the road.

Why Is a Vehicle Fitness Certificate Important?

In addition to documents like bike insurance, driving licence, PUCC and vehicle RC, you need to have the fitness certificate for your vehicle. The two wheeler fitness certificate is important for a number of reasons, such as:

Legal need:

According to the Motor Vehicles Act, all vehicles exceeding a specified age limit must have a valid fitness certificate to verify adherence to stipulated safety standards. Without an FC for bike, you won’t be able to legally operate it on public roads in India.

Insurance purposes:

Many insurance companies require a copy of the bike fitness certificate as a supporting document during claim filings. Additionally, if your vehicle surpasses a certain age limit, you may also need a copy of the FC for insurance renewals.

Traffic fines:

Riding a bike, which requires a fitness certificate, without an FC is illegal. This can lead to hefty fines and penalties if caught during a traffic stop and can even get your vehicle impounded.

Resale value:

Having a fitness certificate for bike certifies its roadworthiness and adherence to the necessary safety and emission standards. In the used bike market, an FC offers transparency and develops buyer confidence, attracting more potential buyers.

Eligibility Criteria for Vehicle Fitness Certificate

Owners of new private bikes in India don’t need a fitness certificate for the first 15 years. The roadworthiness certificate is included as part of the initial registration. However, you will need to renew the fitness certificate for bike after 15 years.

As for the vehicle to be issued the RTO fitness certificate, it has to pass the necessary fitness test, which evaluates its mechanical health, body and chassis, braking, safety lights, reflectors, and tail-pipe emission levels.

Documents Required for Vehicle Fitness Certificate

Here are some documents you need to submit as part of the fitness certificate RTO application process:

1. Form 21
2. Form 22
3. Vehicle registration certificate (RC)
4. Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
5. Bike insurance certificate
6. Road tax payment receipt
7. Pencil print of chassis number
8. Proof of address
9. Passport-size photos.

How to Apply for a Vehicle Fitness Certificate Online?

The answer to “How to get fitness certificate?” is to apply for it online. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Sewa website on your smartphone, tablet or computer.
2. Step 2: Find and click on “vehicle-related services” under “online services” and select your state.
3. Step 3: Choose the option called “Application for Fitness Certificate.”
4. Step 4: On the next screen, enter your registered phone number and the vehicle chassis and registration numbers.
5. Step 5: Enter the OTP to complete verification and tap on “Show Details.”
6. Step 6: Verify the details shown and enter additional information as requested by the page.
7. Step 7: Pay the application fee online by clicking on “Payment.”
8. Step 8: After successful payment, download a copy of the application and payment receipt.
9. Step 9: The final step is to visit the concerned RTO with the documents and complete the fitness test. If approved, the bike FC will be issued.

How to Apply for a Vehicle Fitness Certificate Offline?

You can also apply for a two wheeler fitness certificate offline by following these steps:

1. Step 1: Go to the local RTO and fill out the bike FC application form.
2. Step 2: Submit the application form alongside the supporting documents.
3. Step 3: Pay the fee for the bike FC application and collect the receipt.
4. Step 4: Take your bike to the RTO for a fitness test. If approved, the vehicle FC will be issued.

Vehicle Fitness Certificate Fees and Charges

Here are the latest fees and charges for the Fitness Certificate for two wheeler:

Two-Wheelers (Motorcycles and Scooters)

• Age 10–15 years: Fee of ₹400
• Age 15–20 years: Fee of ₹1,000
• Age Older than 20 years: Fee of ₹2,000

Validity Period of Vehicle Fitness Certificate in India

All new private bikes come with a valid FC for 15 years. After this, the fitness certificate for bike needs to be renewed every 5 years. Also, note that commercial vehicles under 8 years of age receive a 2-year validity on their FC. But for commercial vehicles exceeding 8 years of age, the FC needs to be renewed annually.

Besides noting the application process and bike fitness renewal fee, don’t forget to stay up-to-date with your bike insurance plan. Visit Jio Insurance Broking to buy/renew plans online from a wide range of reputable insurers.

How to Renew a Vehicle Fitness Certificate Online?

Here’s how you can complete the bike FC renewal online:

1. Go to the “Vehicle-Related Services” on Parivahan Sewa.
2. Select your state and provide bike registration details.
3. Click “Apply for Fitness Renewal.”
4. Enter bike chassis, registration and phone number.
5. Verify OTP, check details and fill in additional information.
6. Pay the two wheeler FC renewal fees online and get the receipt.
7. Visit the RTO with your bike to complete the fitness test. The RTO fitness certificate will be granted upon successful approval.

How to Obtain a Duplicate Vehicle Fitness Certificate?

These are the steps to download the duplicate bike FC:

1. Go to “Vehicle-Related Services” on Parivahan Sewa.
2. Select your state and the registering authority.
3. Click on “Duplicate Fitness Certificate.”
4. Verify details by entering the bike registration number and chassis number.
5. Authenticate via mobile OTP or Aadhaar.
6. Check and verify details and select the reason for the application.
7. Pay the duplicate bike FC fees online and verify payment.
8. Collect the receipt, and the duplicate FC will be sent to your registered address.

Penalty for Driving with an Expired Fitness Certificate

Riding without a valid fitness certificate for two wheeler is in violation of Section 56/192 under MVA 1988. Although the fine amount can vary from state to state, here is a general outline:

• First offence: INR 5,000 - INR 10,000.
• Second and subsequent offence: INR 10,000.

Vehicle Fitness Certificate and Insurance Renewal

As a bike owner, you must stay on top of the essential vehicle documents and keep them up-to-date. For example, both a fitness certificate and bike insurance are important and come with an expiry date. Hence, completing insurance and bike fitness renewal on time is crucial to adhere to the necessary regulations and avoid hefty fines.

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