If this hike comes into effect, those operating more than one lorry will be greatly affected.
| Photo Credit: LAKSHMI NARAYANAN E.
The State Lorry Owners Federation of Tamil Nadu (SLOFT) has demanded the Union Ministry of Road Transport to withdraw the proposed fee hike for issuance of fitness certificates for vehicles.
The Union Ministry of Road Transport issued guidelines on November 11 regarding the increase in the fee for the fitness certificates for all vehicles from two-wheelers to heavy vehicles under the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1989. The Union Government had also requested the public to express any objections and suggestions regarding the above guidelines.
SLOFT president C. Dhanaraj said that the Ministry intends to increase the fee manifold over the current fee. It has been announced that the fee will be fixed at ₹1,000 for vehicles between 10 and 13 years old, ₹5,000 for vehicles between 13 and 15 years old, and ₹25,000 for vehicles between 15 and 20 years old. If this hike comes into effect, those operating more than one lorry will be greatly affected.
He added that people mostly use vehicles that are over 15 years old for transporting essential commodities, including paddy and vegetables. This additional burden will force them to leave the transport industry. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the industries have been affected and it has become difficult to get loads for lorries.
Stating that the lorry transport has been severely affected by the increase in the cost of tolls, diesel prices, insurance premiums, and spare parts, Mr. Dhanaraj said that if the fitness certificate fee is hiked, it will affect the livelihood of lorry owners. The federation has urged the Union Ministry of Road Transport to immediately withdraw the proposed fee hike, Mr. Dhanaraj added.
Published – November 24, 2025 06:53 pm IST
