The days of easily obtaining vehicle fitness certificates without proper inspection may soon be over, thanks to proposed changes leveraging video technology and automated testing. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is drafting new rules mandating stricter protocols for fitness certifications, aiming to curb fraud and enhance road safety.
The core of the new system involves automated testing stations (ATS) and mandatory video recording during inspections. According to the draft notification, all private vehicles will be required to undergo fitness and pollution tests at these ATS facilities, similar to the current requirements for commercial vehicles. To prevent fraudulent certifications, the inspecting officer at the ATS will be required to upload a minimum 10-second, geo-tagged video of the vehicle during the fitness test. This video must clearly show the vehicle from all sides, including the registration number plate, chassis number, and engine number.
This measure is particularly significant given rising concerns about air pollution and the importance of ensuring vehicles meet emission standards. A fitness certificate is currently required for private vehicles older than 15 years when renewing their registration, and subsequently every five years. By making ATS testing mandatory and incorporating video evidence, the government hopes to ensure that certificates are only issued after genuine and thorough inspections. Currently, there are over 160 ATS facilities operating across India.
The move to tighten fitness certification comes after instances of fraudulent practices were uncovered. In one case, an automated testing station in Chiloda, Gandhinagar, was found to be issuing fitness certificates for commercial vehicles that never underwent physical inspection. The testing station allegedly edited existing photos of vehicles to create fake reports, charging owners for certifications without performing the required checks. This fraudulent activity not only undermines the integrity of the certification process but also poses a serious safety risk by allowing potentially unsafe vehicles to remain on the road.
The proposed changes are a step towards creating a more transparent and reliable system for vehicle fitness certification. By combining automated testing with video evidence, authorities aim to reduce the potential for human error and deliberate fraud. The geo-tagging of videos adds an extra layer of security, making it more difficult to manipulate the system. While the draft notification is yet to be finalized, it signals a clear commitment to improving vehicle safety and reducing pollution through stricter enforcement of fitness standards.
