Own a private car, not a commercial vehicle? Different rules apply. Private cars are being brought into the newer PVICS system — see our Punjab PVICS guide for private cars (including the 15 November 2026 deadline).
The Vehicle Fitness Certificate page of the Punjab Transport Department sets out the rules for transport vehicles — buses, vans, taxis, rickshaws, trucks, and other public service and goods vehicles. This guide explains who needs the certificate, how to book an inspection, what to bring, and what happens if you skip it.
Who Needs a Vehicle Fitness Certificate?
Under the Punjab Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965 and the Motor Vehicles Rules, 1969, transport vehicles — both Public Service Vehicles and Goods Transport — that are registered in Punjab and operate in Punjab must obtain a Vehicle Fitness Certificate. The Transport Department states that all commercial vehicles must be tested every six months, so the certificate lapses twice a year and renewal needs to be planned, not left to chance.
What Is VICS?
The Vehicle Inspection and Certification System (VICS) is a public-private partnership between the Government of Punjab and Opus Inspection (Pvt) Ltd. Its network covers 39 testing centres across the province, using modern inspection equipment, software, and data management. Inspections cover items such as alignment, brakes, suspension, headlights, emissions, noise, and a general visual check, after which a computerised report is issued.
How to Book an Inspection Appointment
Any vehicle owner can book an appointment in two ways:
- By phone: call the VICS Customer Service Center on UAN 042-111-678-711
- Online: through the VICS appointments page
Have these details ready when booking:
- The station you want to visit for the test
- Vehicle registration number
- Type of vehicle
- Your name
Documents and Checklist for the Day
According to the Transport Department's checklist, bring:
- Original registration book / vehicle documents
- CNIC of the driver and the driving licence
- Inspection fee in cash
The vehicle itself must also meet these conditions:
- Unloaded — no passengers or cargo on board
- Physical condition free of fluid leaks, loose or hanging parts, and loose wires
- For long vehicles, especially tandem or double-length carriers, the cargo trailer(s) must be detached
Inspection Fees (Reported)
The official page does not publish a fee table, but fees reported by The Nation in October 2024 were:
| Vehicle Type | First Inspection | Renewal (every 6 months) |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy & light transport vehicles (HTV / LTV) | Rs 1,819 | Rs 911 |
| Delivery vans, motor cars (taxi), rickshaws, motorcycle rickshaws | Rs 1,212 | Rs 758 |
Fees are revised from time to time and are paid in cash at the station. Confirm the current schedule on the VICS fee page before you go.
New Vehicles
New vehicles must obtain a fitness certificate before their initial registration. Reports on the revised fee structure indicate new vehicles are then exempt from the periodic test for their first two years of operation — confirm how this applies to your vehicle type with VICS.
What Happens If You Skip It?
Per the VICS FAQ, vehicles that do not get inspected will be penalised by authorities, denied a route permit, and not allowed to pay token tax. For operators, that can quickly mean a vehicle off the road, so it's worth tracking each vehicle's renewal date. If you run a fleet, see the Transport Department's Route Permits section as well.
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Certificate
- Confirm your vehicle falls under transport (public service or goods) rules.
- Book an appointment via UAN 042-111-678-711 or the VICS appointments page.
- Unload the vehicle completely, detach any trailers if it is a tandem or double-length carrier, and fix visible leaks or loose parts.
- Take the original registration documents, the driver's CNIC and licence, and the inspection fee in cash.
- Arrive at your chosen station at the booked time for the inspection.
- Collect your certificate if the vehicle passes, or repair the flagged faults and return for re-inspection.
- Note the six-month expiry and book the next test in good time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often must a commercial vehicle be tested?
Every six months, according to the Punjab Transport Department.
Can I go for the test with a load on board?
No. The vehicle must be unloaded, with no passengers or cargo, and trailers on tandem or double-length vehicles must be detached.
Is the inspection fee payable online?
The Transport Department's checklist specifies the inspection fee in cash, so carry it with you.
Does this page apply to my private car?
No. This page covers transport vehicles. Private cars fall under the separate PVICS system — see our PVICS guide.
Related Reading
For video guide, view this video
Final Thoughts
For commercial operators, the vehicle fitness certificate is a recurring six-month obligation tied directly to your route permit and token tax. Book early on UAN 042-111-678-711, bring the right documents and an empty, leak-free vehicle, and check the latest fees on the Transport Department page before you go.
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