Punjab has introduced mandatory fitness and emission testing for private cars. The new requirement will affect around 23 lakh vehicles registered in the province.
The move aims to improve road safety and reduce vehicle emissions before the smog season. According to the latest available reports, enforcement against vehicles without fitness certificates is expected to begin on October 15, 2026.
The Punjab Transport Authority will oversee the new testing system. Private-sector companies are also expected to support the vehicle inspection centres.
Under the new system, car owners will need to obtain a fitness certificate after their vehicles pass the required checks. However, the testing network is still being developed. As a result, some details about the enforcement process may be clarified later.
What the New Fitness Test Means for Car Owners
Private cars will undergo fitness and emission testing at designated inspection centres. The inspection will check whether vehicles meet the required road safety and emission standards.
Reports published on September 12 and 13 said the programme will cover around 23 lakh privately registered vehicles in Punjab.
The announced testing fee ranges from Rs500 to Rs2,000, depending on the type of vehicle. Cars that pass the inspection will receive a fitness certificate and a QR-coded fitness sticker.
The fitness certificate is reportedly valid for one year.
The Punjab Transport Department has also published information about the Vehicle Inspection and Certification System (VICS) on its official website. Its existing fitness certification system covers public service and commercial vehicles. The latest reports, however, relate to expanding fitness testing to private cars.
How to Apply for a Car Fitness Certificate
Car owners can contact the VICS customer service centre for information about inspection appointments and available testing stations.
According to the Punjab Transport Department, applicants should provide the following information when requesting an appointment:
- Name
- Vehicle registration number
- Vehicle type
- Preferred inspection station
Owners can also use the VICS website to get information about appointments.
Before visiting an inspection centre, car owners should make sure their vehicles are in good mechanical condition. They should also bring the required vehicle documents, their CNIC and driving licence, and payment for the inspection fee.
The department also advises that vehicles should be free of passengers and cargo during the inspection.
Testing Centres and October 15 Deadline
According to the latest reports, testing has started at 13 PVICS centres across Punjab, including eight centres in Lahore.
However, concerns remain about whether the entire inspection network will be fully operational before the October 15 enforcement deadline.
The Punjab Transport Department has highlighted the new fitness certification system on its official website. However, a complete province-wide list of operational centres and detailed enforcement penalties has not been clearly published in the available official material.
Therefore, car owners should confirm appointment availability, testing location and applicable fees before visiting an inspection centre.
For now, the new private-car fitness and emission testing requirement is moving forward. More details may be announced by the Punjab government as implementation continues.
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