KATHMANDU: Private sector workshops can now conduct vehicle fitness and pollution tests, a responsibility previously limited to government-run centers.
The Department of Transport Management will certify private centers that meet established standards. This change follows an amendment to the Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 2049.
The new provision is expected to make inspections more accessible. Public vehicles require a fitness test once a year for the first five years and every six months after that. Private vehicles need an annual pollution test.
The government has also extended the validity of driving licenses.
Licenses will now be valid for 10 years instead of five. Renewals will also be required every 10 years. This applies to both new and existing licenses.
The Act also mandates the development of an integrated digital system. It will combine vehicle registration, license records, revenue data and biometric information. The goal is to improve service delivery through better data management.
