Owners and operators of public service vehicles, from rickshaws to delivery vans, trucks, and taxis, in Punjab are not allowed to do without a Vehicle Fitness Certificate. It is legally mandated, enforced by the province Vehicle Inspection and Certification System, and may result in losing your route permit your opportunity to pay token tax.
You have the big picture of what VICS is, who should be doing it, how much it costs and how exactly it gets you inspected, you are able to get the ball moving.
Who Needs a VICS Fitness Certificate?
All Public Service Vehicles registered and running in Punjab have to get a Fitness Certificate as per the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965 and Motor Vehicle Rule 1969. This includes:
- Heavy transport vehicles and trucks.
- Taxis
- Rickshaws & Motorcycle Rickshaws
- Buses and mini buses
- Delivery vans
- Lorries
At present the regulations do not require private vehicles, such as private motorcycles, cars and jeeps to be fitted with a fitness certificate. However, private vehicles account for about 93% of total registered vehicles in Punjab and plans have been floated up to extend the coverage in the future.
How Often Do You Need to Renew It?
All PSV vehicles are required to have a 6 month Fitness Certificate. The vehicles must be tested to obtain a certificate prior to first registration, they will not be required to be tested during the first two years of use, unless registered for renewal either before the end of 6 months or before they reach the 18-month mark.
Vehicles which are not registered can be penalized, can not receive a route permit and cannot pay a token tax.
VICS Inspection Fee Structure
Fees differ depending on your first registration inspection or a renewal.
| Vehicle Category | First-Time Fee (PKR) | Renewal Fee, Every 6 Months (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Transport Vehicles (HTV) | 1,819 | 911 |
| Light Transport Vehicles (LTV) | 1,819 | 911 |
| Delivery Vans | 1,212 | 758 |
| Motor Cars, Taxis, Rickshaws, Motorcycle Rickshaws | 1,212 | 758 |
Cash is collected for fees at inspection centre. The first time your vehicle fails the test, it is free and subsequent re-tests after the car was improperly repaired are charged.
Documents and Preparation Checklist
Please have the following items on hand before arriving at a VICS station:
- The original registration book and/or documents of the vehicle.
- CNIC of the driver
- Valid license of the driver.
- Inspection fee
There are also some basic requirements of the vehicle itself before it is tested:
- It should be free from passengers and goods, and the unloading process should take place, and
- No fluid leaks, loose parts or dangling wires should be visible.
- Cargo trailers should be separated from long or tandem vehicles for inspection purposes.
How to Book a VICS Inspection Appointment
- Please call the VICS customer service center at the phone number 042-111-678-711 and an employee will help you schedule an appointment and guide you through the documents necessary for your appointment.
- Make appointments online through the VICS website, using the book tab.
- Non-appointment customers also book based on space available, but may be subject to longer times.
It is recommended to be at your appointment early in order to avoid long lines particularly at busier stations in major cities.
Where Are VICS Stations Located?
Opus Inspection has established a network of 39 VICS stations in Punjab, comprising of both the fixed testing stations and the mobile van based testing stations. Lahore has 3 main stations, Rawalpindi has 2 main stations and every other district in Punjab has at least one VICS station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do private cars need a VICS fitness certificate in Punjab?
The existing legislation only applies to public service and commercial vehicles – so far private vehicles such as personal motorcycles, cars and jeeps do not need to have a fitness certificate.
How often do I need to renew my VICS fitness certificate?
Public Service Vehicles as stipulated in the Punjab Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965, every six months (6 months).
What is the expense of a VICS inspection?
The motor car, taxi and rickshaw renewal fee is PKR 758 while heavy and light transport vehicles are charged at PKR 911. The registration fees for first-time registration are higher with PKR 1,212 to PKR 1,819 depending on vehicle category.
