A wave of protests has erupted across the state following the recent revision of vehicle fitness test fees by the Road Transport and Highways Department, with bus operators, autorickshaw drivers and second-hand vehicle dealers protesting what they term an “unfair financial burden” on economically weaker sections. The main trigger of the unified objection is the latest regulation of the Department of Motor Vehicles confirming the introduction of a new tariff effective from November 17.
Unions and associations representing these groups say the revised tariff is meant to upset people who depend on their old vehicles for a living. They sought an immediate scrapping of the new fee structure, claiming it was taking advantage of lower-income groups.
Officials of the All Kerala Bus Operators Association say the government’s latest decision blatantly undermines earlier court orders that favored bus operators, many of whom already pay green tax for running old buses. They point out that the fitness test fee for buses older than 20 years has shot up to ₹25,000, a dramatic jump from the earlier ₹3,500, exacerbating the financial crisis of operators already facing rising costs.
“The biggest setback is the enforcement of these rules even for 10-year-old commercial vehicles, which replaced the previous 15-year period under the three-tier classification system. Under the new structure, the fee for light motor vehicles over 20 years has also been increased from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000,” says P. Mohammed, an official of the association. He points out that it is unfair to collect ₹20,000 as a fee even from mid-sized commercial vehicles in the same age category.
Autorickshaw drivers across the state also strongly opposed the revision. The Hindustan Mazdur Sangh-affiliated All Kerala Swathanthra Auto-rickshaw Thozhilali union describes the move as an attempt to dislodge drivers who depend on old vehicles for self-employment. Union officials led by N. Lakshmanan say many drivers are already facing heavy fines and tax demands without any social support from the government. They argue that the new fee will further squeeze a segment already out of business with “hostile” policies.
Another segment of protesters who have expressed their concerns against the new tariff is the Kerala State Used Vehicle Dealers and Brokers Association, headed by Siddique Maliyekkal. He argues that the used car market largely caters to ordinary people who cannot afford new vehicles. A sharp rise in fees, they warn, will derail hope for thousands of financially strapped families who depend on affordable used vehicles.
As the protests in various organizations gain momentum, there are also discussions about starting a nationwide strike. The private bus operators say they will mobilize support from various organizations in the transport and used vehicle sectors to push for the scrapping of the revised charges.
Published – 22 Nov 2025 19:36 IST
