The Punjab government has extended the deadline for mandatory vehicle fitness certificates to December 31, 2026, giving motorists additional time to complete the required inspection process. The latest extension was announced by the Punjab Provincial Transport Authority as part of efforts to improve vehicle safety and emissions compliance across the province.
The deadline had already been extended once before. Authorities initially planned to begin enforcement from October 15. The date was later moved to November 15, and the latest decision has now pushed it further to the end of December.
The government has also clarified exemption periods for private cars based on engine capacity and manufacturing date. Cars with engines up to 1,000cc are exempt from the fitness certificate requirement for five years from the date of manufacture. Vehicles between 1,001cc and 2,000cc receive a six-year exemption. Cars above 2,000cc are exempt for seven years.
Once these exemption periods end, vehicle owners must obtain valid fitness certificates. The certificates are issued through Punjab Vehicle Inspection and Certification System centres. Inspections are designed to assess roadworthiness, safety and emissions performance.
Authorities have warned that legal action may be taken against vehicles operating without valid certificates after the new deadline. Penalties could include fines and other enforcement measures under existing regulations.
Punjab introduced annual fitness certification requirements as part of a broader effort to reduce unsafe vehicles and control harmful emissions.
Motorists have now been advised to complete the process before December 31 to avoid last-minute pressure and possible penalties.
