The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notified the Central Motor Vehicles (Sixth Amendment) Rules, 2026. The Rules amend the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.37 The 1989 Rules provide framework for motor vehicle registration, licencing, safety standards, and roadworthiness.
Key features include:
▪ Re-testing of unfit vehicles: The 2026 Rules specify that if a vehicle is not declared fit within 180 days of being declared unfit, the vehicle will be categorised as an end-of-life vehicle. End-oflife vehicle refers to one that is no longer deemed roadworthy or legally eligible for use.
▪ Eligibility criteria for owning automated testing stations: Earlier, a person related to repair, manufacturing, or sale of vehicles could not become the owner or operator of an automated testing station directly. However, they were permitted to do so by forming a subsidiary. The 2026 Rules instead specify that a service station or any person related to repair of vehicles will not be eligible to be the owner or operator directly in the same district, where such operations are conducted. Further, it omits the requirement to form a subsidiary in other cases.
▪ Vehicle fitness tests: Under the 1989 Rules, vehicle’s fitness certificate is renewed after an inspecting officer or an authorised testing station carries the specified tests. The 2026 Rules add that all such tests must be captured in a geo-tagged video and uploaded through a mobile application developed by the central government. Previously, under the 1989 Rules, a vehicle fitness test involved checks of reflectors, steering gear, and speedometer. The 2026 Rules expands the list of checks to also include vehicle location tracking device, high security registration plate, speed governor, and seat belt.
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