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PUC Certificate
Air pollution is a major issue in India, and vehicle emissions are one of its primary causes. To curb this, the Indian government has specified pollution control standards, where the smoke and emissions from a vehicle should be within the prescribed limit. The issue of PUC certificates is a step taken by the Indian government to control the pollution caused by vehicle emissions.
What is a PUC Certificate?
A Pollution Under Control certificate is a document that proves your vehicle's compliance with government regulations for pollution control. Vehicle owners are required to carry this document. It mentions the vehicle information, date of issue, expiry date, and the results of the emission tests. State governments ensure that PUC testing centres are available, the quality of the testing equipment is maintained, and the vehicle owners are complying with the PUC rules.
Why is the PUC Certificate Important?
Here are the four reasons why a PUCC is such an essential document.
Legal Requirement: Every vehicle owner in India must have a PUC document to drive a vehicle on the road. Failure to have a vehicle pollution certificate can attract fines and penalties.
Vehicle Health: The PUC test examines your vehicle's emission systems. The document also indicates that your vehicle is in good health.
Required for Vehicle Insurance: Motor Insurance providers require you to provide a valid PUCC to buy or renew your vehicle insurance.
How to Get a PUC Certificate?
You can get a PUCC for your vehicle by having its emissions tested and measured at an authorised PUC testing centre.
Get PUC Certificate Offline
You can follow the steps mentioned below to get document offline.
Step 1: Find any official PUC testing centre in your city.
Step 2: Take your vehicle to the testing centre and request a pollution certificate.
Step 3: The authorised personnel would examine your vehicle's exhaust and check its pollution emission levels.
Step 4: The centre would issue a PUC certificate based on the test results.
How to Download Your PUC Certificate Online?
A PUCC is an essential document for your vehicle. Here's how you can download a PUC certificate online.
Step 1: Visit the official PUCC official website.
Step 2: Click on 'PUC Certificate'.
Step 3: Enter the registration number and chassis number of your vehicle.
Step 4: Type the captcha code and click on 'PUC Details' to download your certificate.
Types of Emissions Tests for Vehicles and How They Measure Emissions
Specific emission tests are to be performed on vehicles before issuing a pollution certificate. Each type of vehicle requires a different set of tests.
| Vehicle Type | Types of Emissions Tests Required |
| Petrol Vehicles CNG Vehicles LPG Vehicles |
A test of the level of Carbon Monoxide, Hydrocarbon and Lambda emitted during idling and high idling. |
| Diesel Vehicles | Free acceleration test for a turbo-charged engine and a naturally aspirated engine to check compliance with the maximum smoke density. |
What is the Emission Test Procedure for PUC Certificates?
Here's the detailed process PUC testing centres follow to perform a vehicle emission test.
Step 1: Visit an authorised testing centre and position your vehicle as instructed by the technician.
Step 2: A device will be inserted in the exhaust pipe of your vehicle for testing.
Step 3: To allow the device to examine the exhaust emissions, start your vehicle and rev its engine.
Step 4: The readings taken by the device will be displayed on the computer screen. If the vehicle emissions are within the specified limits, the technician would click a photo of your vehicle's number plate and generate a PUCC.
Step 5: Pay the required fees to the testing centre and get the PUC document.
Permissible Emission Levels for PUC Certificate
The government has specified the following permitted emission levels for Indian vehicles, which differ for each vehicle type:
Emission Norms for Pollution Certificate for New Cars
Four-wheelers manufactured according to Bharat Stage IV or Bharat Stage V norms need to comply with the following emission standards.
| Types of Tests | Petrol Cars | CNG/LPG Cars |
| Carbon Monoxide Idle Emission % | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Carbon Monoxide High Idle Emission % | 0.2 | NA |
| HC (n-hexane Equivalent ppm) | 200 | 200 |
| λ (Lambda) | 1±0.03 or declared by the manufacturer | 1±0.03 or declared by the manufacturer |
Emission Norms for Pollution Certificate for New Bikes
The following emission limits apply to bikes manufactured after 31 March 2010:
| Type of Vehicle | CO% | HC (n-hexane equivalent) ppm |
| 2-stroke Bikes | 3.0 | 4000 |
| 4-stroke Bikes | 3.0 | 3000 |
Norms for Diesel Vehicle Pollution Certificates
The following smoke density limits have been specified for diesel vehicles in India.
| Vehicle Type | Light Absorption Coefficient | Hartridge Unit |
| Manufactured as per pre-Bharat Stage IV norms | 2.45 | 65 |
| Manufactured as per Bharat Stage IV norms | 1.62 | 50 |
| Four-wheelers manufactured as per Bharat Stage VI norms | 0.7 | 26 |
| Two and three-wheelers manufactured as per Bharat Stage VI norms | 1.5 | 48 |
Pollution Certificate Norms for Old Vehicles (Cars, Bikes, Three-Wheelers)
If you drive an older vehicle, make sure that it complies with the following emission standards:
| Vehicle Type | CO% | HC (n-hexane equivalent) ppm |
| Two-wheelers manufactured on or before 31st March 2000 | 4.5 | 2000 |
| 2-stroke two-wheelers manufactured between 31st March 2000 and 31st March 2010 | 3.5 | 6000 |
| 4-stroke two-wheelers manufactured between 31st March 2000 and 31st March 2010 | 3.5 | 4500 |
| Three-wheelers manufactured on or before 31st March 2000 | 4.5 | 9000 |
What are Some Other Ways to Get a PUC Certificate?
Several petrol pumps and workshops across India have a computerized facility for testing the emission levels of a vehicle. Check whether they are authorized to issue PUC certificates and get your vehicle tested at these centres.
What is the Validity Period of a PUC Certificate?
Subsequently, you must renew the certificate every 6 months.
However, the PUC certificates of vehicles complying with BS-IV and BS-VI norms will be valid for 12 months.
Can You Renew a PUC Certificate Online?
You cannot renew a PUC document online. You must visit an authorised PUC centre with your vehicle and get it tested. However, you can find a testing centre online through the PUCC Parivahan website. You can also pay the PUC testing charges through digital methods through the same portal.
How to Find a PUC Certificate Centre?
Find a PUC centre near you by following these steps:
Step 1- Visit the official PUCC official website.
Step 2- Select the 'PUC Centre List' option.
Step 3- From the drop-down box, choose the state.
Step 4- Check the list of active PUC centres in the state.
What are the Charges for PUC Certificates in India?
The PUC charges are variable. It depends on the state of issuance and vehicle type.
For example, the following charges are applicable in Maharashtra.
| Vehicle Type | PUC Certificate Charges |
| Two-wheelers | Rs. 50 |
| Four-wheelers operated on petrol | Rs. 125 |
| Diesel-operated four-wheelers | Rs. 150 |
What is the Penalty for an Expired PUC Certificate?
The Transport Department of each Indian state specifies the penalties levied for not having a valid PUC certificate. According to Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, this fine can go up to Rs. 10,000 for the first offence. States may also provide for imprisonment of up to 3 months for the first offence. The period can be up to 6 months for any further offence.
Here are the penalties for expired PUC certificates in Maharashtra as an example.
| Vehicle Type | Penalty for the First Offence | Penalty for any Subsequent Offence |
| Two-wheelers | Rs. 1500 | Rs. 1500 |
| Three-wheelers | Rs. 1500 | Rs. 2000 |
| Light Motor Vehicles | Rs. 2000 | Rs. 3000 |
| Medium Motor Vehicles | Rs. 3000 | Rs. 4000 |
| Heavy Motor Vehicles | Rs. 5000 | Rs. 10,000 |
| Others | Rs. 1500 | Rs. 2000 |
How to Check PUC Certificate Status Online?
To check your PUC status, visit the website using the steps below if your vehicle was tested at an authorized Centre:
Step 1: Go to the official PUCC website.
Step 2: Enter the Application ID from your PUC application.
Step 3: Enter your security code and click 'View Application Details' to view the application details.
Important Points to Remember About PUC Certificate
Here are some important things to keep in mind before getting a PUC certificate.
Visit Authorised PUC Centres: Take your vehicle to a government-authorised PUC centre only to avoid PUC scams.
Video Verification: Some regions, like New Delhi, have mandated the PUC centres to record a video of the testing process and upload it on the VAHAN portal.
FAQs
A PUC certificate ensures compliance with the permissible emission limits specified by the Indian government. It helps in curbing the growing air pollution in India.
Yes, the PUC certificate is only valid for 6 months after your vehicle has completed one year of registration. However, the certificate of BS-IV and BS-VI compliant vehicles is valid for 12 months.
No, you have to renew your PUC certificate every six months.
The charges for PUC certificates vary as per the state and the vehicle type. A PUC certificate costs between Rs. 60 and Rs. 100 in New Delhi, depending on the vehicle type.
Your vehicle's RC (Registration Certificate) is required for a PUC certificate. Additional documentation is not needed.
The new rule for PUC certificates is that video verification is to be incorporated in the PUC process for transparency. PUC testing centres will upload a video of the testing process on the VAHAN portal.
Currently, you can only upload your vehicle RC (Registration Certificate) and your driving licence on Digilocker. A PUC certificate cannot be uploaded.
Yes, BS6 cars, i.e., Bharat Stage VI compliant cars, also need a PUC certificate.
No, new cars do not require a PUC certificate for 1 year after the date of registration.
You can download your PUC certificate from the PUC portal of Parivahan and check the expiry date mentioned on the certificate.
You cannot extend the validity of your PUC certificate. After it expires, you must take your vehicle to an authorized testing centre to have it examined again.
A grace period of 7 days is allowed for a PUC certificate renewal after its expiry.
You can renew your PUC certificate at any authorised PUC testing centre. Refer to the state-wise list of PUC testing centres available on the Parivahan portal.
If you are in another state, use the PUCC Parivahan portal to find an authorised PUC testing centre in that state and get your PUC certificate there.
If you have lost your PUC certificate, you can download it again from the PUCC Parivahan website. You need your vehicle registration number and chassis number to do so.
Yes, you should carry your PUC certificate while driving the vehicle.
You can renew your PUC certificate before its expiry date by getting your vehicle tested at an authorised centre.
Yes, your PUC certificate is valid all over India.
The testing centre will issue a rejection slip if a car fails the PUC test. You must fix the issues mentioned on the slip and test your vehicle again.
Yes, you can get a PUC certificate after expiry, as a grace period of 7 days has been allowed.
The challan or fine for non-compliance with PUC certificate rules differs from state to state. As per the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, the penalty can go up to Rs. 10,000.
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