Punjab’s Vehicle Inspection & Certification System

While travelling on roads, you may find vehicles emitting hazardous smoke or without benchmark safety features. Such vehicles pose a threat to the passengers as well as other commuters on the roads. But imagine a vehicle having a hidden issue which could prove to be fatal or cost the owner a fortune on repairs. Wouldn’t you want to get it fixed timely? This is why the transport department has a state-of-the-art Vehicle Inspection and Certification System (VICS) in Punjab to mark vehicles as safe and fit for roads.

For the convenience of owners and drivers of vehicles, VICS stations are operational in multiple districts of Punjab. This blog outlines the entire process, types of inspection tests, how to schedule an appointment and cities where these stations are active.

Vehicle Inspection & Certification System

Pakistan has a population of more than 200 million, of which about 110 million reside in the province of Punjab. Over the years, the country has witnessed rapid urbanization and economic development leading to an increased demand for public service transport. Without regular and proper maintenance of vehicles, the chances of road fatalities due to mechanical failures have also increased, let alone the rising environmental concerns.

In order to cope with these issues, the government has replaced the outdated Motor Vehicle Examination (MVE) system and replaced it with a newer, better and state-of-the-art Vehicle Inspection & Certification System in Punjab. The provincial government of Punjab in collaboration with Opus Inspection (Pvt) – a subsidiary of Sweden-based Opus Group – has introduced a modern and computerized inspection system to enhance road safety and environmental protection measures.

The public-private partnership established a network of centres across Punjab through which vehicles across the province will be regularly inspected through multiple tests to be declared fit for road use and awarded fitness certificates. 

Benefits Of VICS

VICS ensures the public transport vehicles are mechanically fit and do not emit hazardous smoke. In addition to these, there are other benefits too of having the system in place.

• The system helps in preventing road accidents caused by mechanical failure in public service vehicles
• Reduces noise pollution by passing them through effective tests
• Promotes a better environment by controlling emissions from vehicles
• Transparency in vehicle inspection
• Public confidence in transportation facilities
• Direct foreign investment
• Increased employment opportunities in the province

How To Book An Appointment

There are two ways to book an appointment for the desired centre. Drivers and owners can call the VICS UAN number 042-111-678-711 and talk to the customer service operators who will guide them about the procedure as well as the documents required. The second option is to book an appointment online at the VICS Punjab website by typing in all the required information such as nearest station, vehicle type, date, registration number and personal information. 

The inspection of a vehicle must be done every six months or it will not be eligible for renewal of the route permit, token tax or renewal of registration. Vehicle owners with a prior appointment will be given priority over the walk-in customers at centres.

Vehicle Inspection Process

As the owner or driver walks in with an appointment, they will need to show their CNIC and registration of the vehicle at the entry gate from where they will be guided to the appropriate lane. At the safety line, the motorist will be directed toward the payment booth to pay the required vehicle inspection fee. After the documentation process, the vehicle will get an RFID sticker and the vehicle will be moved to the inspection area.

The first position will conduct automated tests for side slip/ wheel alignment, front/rear brake, emergency/ parking brake and upon completion, it will be moved to the next position.

The next step in the process is to conduct a suspension/axle test, tire tread depth test, headlight test, and visual undercarriage inspection.

The last position will conduct automated tests for emission, opacity and noise. Upon completion, a fitness report of the vehicle will be generated and handed over to the customer from the last position.

Note: If the vehicle fails the fitness test, the owner will be informed about all the issues and will be required to fix them before the 14 days’ time period in order to get the fitness certificate.

Types Of Tests

The Vehicle Inspection & Certification System of Punjab conducts four different inspections to mark vehicles safe for road use. These are:

• Emission test
• Headlight test
• Noise test
• Undercarriage test

The test under these inspections are:

• Side slip/wheel alignment
• Front/rear brake
• Emergency/parking brake
• Visual undercarriage
• Suspension/axle
• Headlight alignment
• Seat belt
• Emissions/opacity
• Noise inspection

List Of VICS Centres In Punjab

The network of VICS centres is spread across Punjab in all major districts of the province. All these centres are operational and inspecting public transport vehicles.

These districts include:

Which vehicles Should Be Inspected?

Under Punjab Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965 and Motor Vehicle Rule 1969, all types of public service vehicles including heavy and light traffic vehicles must be inspected. These include trucks, buses, taxis, rickshaws, delivery vans, minibuses and motorcycle rickshaws.

The new vehicles must also acquire a fitness certificate before the initial registration after which these will be exempted from inspection for the next two years.

So, if you own a business and have public service vehicles, make sure these are inspected regularly every six months. 

To read more blogs related to government initiatives in Pakistan, keep reading Zameen Blog.