The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed a series of major changes to India’s motor vehicle regulations, aimed at accelerating green mobility and making transport-related compliance faster and more technology-driven. The draft amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, includes a proposed five-year extension in the operational age of certain clean-fuel vehicles and a complete digital overhaul of national permits. EV Age Limit Extension for 5 Years
The government has invited public objections, suggestions, and feedback on the proposed amendments for 30 days. The rules will be finalized and published in the Gazette after considering the responses.
Five-Year Age Extension Proposed for EVs, Hydrogen and CNG Vehicles
One of the biggest proposals is the EV Age Limit Extension, which could allow eligible electric vehicles to remain operational for an additional five years under national permits.
The proposed extension would cover:
- Battery-operated electric vehicles
- Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles
- Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles
- Natural gas-powered vehicles
The move is designed to make cleaner commercial vehicles financially more attractive. Electric, hydrogen and CNG vehicles often involve higher upfront acquisition costs compared with conventional vehicles. Allowing operators to use them for a longer period could help spread those costs over more years and reduce the overall cost of ownership.
For fleet owners, logistics companies and commercial transport operators, the EV Age Limit Extension could therefore improve the economic case for replacing petrol and diesel vehicles with cleaner alternatives.
National Permits to Become Fully Digital
MoRTH has also proposed a major digital transformation of the National Permit system. Under the draft rules, applications and authorizations for interstate commercial transport would be processed electronically.
Transport operators could apply for National Permit authorization for up to five years instead of being limited to compulsory annual renewals.
The proposed fee is ₹16,500 per year. Operators choosing a five-year electronic permit could pay ₹82,500 upfront.
Applications through Form 46 and authorizations through Form 47 would be managed electronically, reducing paperwork and potentially cutting processing delays.
VAHAN to Integrate Vehicle Compliance Data
The proposed electronic permit system would also connect with the VAHAN database to automatically retrieve important vehicle compliance information.
This could include:
- Valid insurance status
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
- Vehicle fitness certification
- Pending challan information
Such integration could reduce repetitive documentation while giving authorities and operators access to updated compliance information.
Trade Certificates to Cover Component Manufacturers
The draft also proposes expanding the trade-certificate framework to automotive component manufacturers.
At present, trade certificates primarily apply to vehicle dealers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Bringing component manufacturers into the framework could make it easier for them to test and transport automotive parts while improving regulatory tracking and compliance.
The proposal comes as India’s automotive manufacturing ecosystem continues to expand across vehicle, component and electric mobility segments.
More Changes Proposed for Vehicle Registration
The draft amendment also contains several operational changes affecting registration and vehicle-related documentation.
Temporary Registration for Chassis
The temporary registration period for a chassis intended for body construction could be extended to six months. Additional 30-day extensions could be provided where required.
Fully-Built Vehicles
A fully-built vehicle could receive a 45-day temporary registration window for registration in another state or for adapted-vehicle conversions.
Digital Dealer Verification
Dealer trade certificates could benefit from automatic retrieval of business information through VAHAN, including GST, PAN, Udyam Aadhaar and CIN details.
Aadhaar-Linked Mobile Authentication
The proposed framework also includes integration of Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers with vehicle registration identity, strengthening owner authentication.
Loan and Hypothecation Details
Specific loan agreement numbers or loan account numbers would be required to be linked with vehicle registration profiles where applicable.
What the Proposed Rules Mean for India’s Auto Sector
The EV Age Limit Extension is particularly significant because longer permitted operating periods could improve the financial viability of clean commercial fleets. At the same time, digital National Permits could reduce administrative friction for transport operators working across state borders.
Together, the proposals indicate a broader policy direction: encourage cleaner vehicles while using digital platforms to simplify transport regulation.
However, these are still draft amendments, not final rules. The government has opened a 30-day window for public feedback before deciding on the final provisions and their publication in the Gazette.
If implemented, the EV Age Limit Extension and digital permit reforms could become important steps in India’s transition toward cleaner commercial transportation and a more streamlined automotive regulatory system.
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