If you have a bike or car that’s 15 years old, you should stay updated with the new RTO rules, as you may face difficulties elsewhere. You’re probably aware that any vehicle for private use must be re-registered after 15 years, but under the new rules, things have changed, and getting it registered isn’t as easy.
Here, we will discuss in detail the RTO rules for vehicles older than 15 years. By reading this article, you will gain complete information about what you need to do and the situations in which you may encounter problems. Be sure to read this article thoroughly so you don’t miss any important details about it.
New RTO rules for 15 Year Old Vehicle
The new RTO rules for 15-year-old vehicles are designed in accordance with the Vehicle Scrappage Policy 2021 to ensure that vehicles plying on public roads are less polluted. Read the following points to understand the new RTO rules for 15-year-old vehicles.
Fitness Test
- Any vehicle that is 15 years old, be it a bike, scooter, or car, must undergo a fitness test at an Automated Testing Station (ATS). Five things are checked during the fitness test: emissions, engine condition, brakes, suspension, and safety features.
- If all these things are correct, then the fitness certificate is easily obtained. If the fitness test fails, then you can get your vehicle repaired and then get the fitness test done again. If it still fails, then in this situation there is no other option except scrapping.
Registration Renewal
- If any vehicle becomes 15 years old, then RTO registration renewal is mandatory for it, and to get the registration renewed, it is necessary that you have a valid fitness certificate.
- If your bike, scooter, or car has failed the fitness certificate, then in this situation you will not be able to renew registration. Your only option is to get it scrapped.
- By getting it scrapped, you may get some incentives that can help you in buying a new vehicle. After scrapping, you can get 4 to 6% of the ex-showroom price as scrapping value when purchasing a new vehicle.
Notes:
- If your vehicle passes the fitness certificate even after 15 years, then there is no problem. You will have to go to the RTO where your vehicle is registered and fill out the re-registration form and submit it with all the charges and required documents, which are RC, insurance, fitness certificate, and PUC certificate.
- After completing the re-registration process, you will get your new RC (registration certificate) via post, and then you can use it as before. Keep in mind that this re-registration of the vehicle remains valid only for 5 years.
- After renewing your registration, you only have five years to drive your vehicle on public roads again. After that, your registration will not be renewed, and the only option is to scrap it. It means you can drive any vehicle for a maximum of 20 years, no more.
If you belong to Delhi, then it is important for you to know that you cannot use the vehicle after it turns 15 years old because its re-registration is not allowed even if it passes the fitness test. If your vehicle is currently registered in Delhi, then you cannot get it re-registered, but you can do so outside Delhi.
What if someone drives a 15-year-old vehicle without re-registration?
Under the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, registration renewal of any vehicle is mandatory after 15 years. If you use your bike or scooter without renewing the registration, then in that case you can be fined up to ₹5,000, and if the fitness certificate of the vehicle is expired, then it can also be confiscated.
If you drive a vehicle without registration, your insurance claim may get rejected, and in case of an accident, you may have to face legal issues and may also be jailed for 3 to 6 months along with a heavy fine.
If you have gotten your vehicle done a fitness test in which it has failed, and the vehicle is not eligible for registration renewal, despite that, if you use it on a public road, your vehicle will not only be impounded but will also be scrapped, and you may also be fined heavily.
