In a bid to tackle vehicular pollution and promote environmentally friendly practices, the Indian government introduced the vehicle scrapping policy in 2021. This policy aims to phase out older vehicles that contribute to pollution and are no longer considered roadworthy. With each new vehicle model being designed to be more efficient and less polluting than its predecessors, the policy aims to put a stop to the escalating problem of vehicular pollution.
When Should Vehicles Be Scrapped?
The vehicle scrapping policy outlines specific criteria for when vehicles need to be scrapped. Commercial vehicles are subjected to an annual fitness test during the renewal of their registration. Vehicles failing this test will be required to be scrapped. Private vehicles, on the other hand, are required to undergo re-registration when they reach 15 years of age. This process involves a fitness test at a Regional Transport Office (RTO). Going forward, these fitness tests can also be conducted at authorized Automated Testing Stations that adhere to government guidelines. Vehicles that pass the fitness test can be re-registered and used for an additional five years after paying the relevant taxes.
The Role of Scrap Dealers
In cases where vehicles fail the fitness test, they are deemed unfit for the road and must be scrapped. Vehicle owners typically turn to local scrap dealers for this purpose. Scrap dealers determine the value of the vehicle based on its weight and the quality of its parts. The weight of the vehicle is used to calculate the value of the metal, and the quality of usable parts is also taken into consideration.
How the Policy Makes a Difference
The vehicle scrapping policy introduces Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) that ensure vehicles are scrapped in compliance with government norms and in an eco-friendly manner. This helps prevent unauthorized resale of scrapped vehicles and contributes to sustainable waste management. RVSFs provide owners with a Certificate of Deposit (CoD) and a Certificate of Vehicle Scrapping (CVS), confirming that they have fulfilled the legal requirements for end-of-life vehicles.
Benefits of Choosing an RVSF
Although choosing an RVSF might result in a slightly lower price for the scrapped vehicle, the benefits far outweigh the costs. The CoD and CVS provided by RVSFs safeguard owners from potential misuse of their scrapped vehicles. Additionally, the government is considering incentives for those who opt for RVSFs, such as discounts on road tax for their next vehicle.
Moving Towards a Greener Future
The introduction of the vehicle scrapping policy marks a significant step towards reducing pollution and promoting sustainable practices in India’s automotive sector. With a network of Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities in place and incentives for responsible vehicle disposal, the policy aims to make a positive impact on the environment and contribute to a greener future for the nation.
Engage in responsible vehicle disposal by choosing Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities and play your part in reducing pollution and embracing sustainability.
