CHENNAI: The State government has deferred the proposed hike in vehicle fitness certificate renewal fees for three months.

On November 11, 2024, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued an order revising the fee for the renewal of fitness certificates for all categories of vehicles.

Subsequently, the Transport Department implemented the revised rates on its portal in line with draft guidelines from December 17, with fees varying according to the year of vehicle registration.

The increase was steep in several categories, with the fee for heavy vehicles rising from Rs 850 to as high as Rs 17,110.

The move drew strong opposition from lorry owners, who announced protests against what they termed an excessive and sudden hike.

The State Lorry Owners Association - Tamil Nadu has announced an indefinite strike from midnight of 25 February against a steep hike in fees for renewal of the vehicle fitness certificate (FC). Amid the backlash, Minister for Transport SS Sivasankar took up the issue with the Transport Commissioner, seeking withdrawal of the revised rates.

In this backdrop, the State government has decided to put the hike in abeyance for three months.

Officials of the Transport Commissionerate said that during the deferment period, fitness certificates, commonly referred to as FC, for lorries and other vehicles would continue to be issued at the old rates.