WHAT IS PUC CERTIFICATE WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

What is a PUC Certificate?

PUC certificate or pollution under control certificate is a document issued by authorized emission testing centers after conducting emission tests to ensure your vehicle emissions are within permissible limit as per environmental norms.

PUC states that the vehicle is safe to drive on Indian roads in terms of not contributing to the rising pollution levels. So, along with having motor insurance, every vehicle needs to compulsorily have a PUC certificate as well. For driving on Indian roads as per the Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. A PUC certificate is approved for a vehicle only if it has passed the PUC test. 

Read this latest blog to know complete details of PUC certificate importance with benefits, pollution level criteria and how to download PUC certificate online for vehicles. 

 

Why is PUC Mandatory for All Vehicles in India?

There are several reasons for making PUC certification mandatory for all vehicles in India.

• Regular PUC testing allows for systematic monitoring of vehicle emissions, helping authorities track and take actions on vehicles with high emissions.
• Vehicle emission test during PUC certification check if vehicle emission is within the permissible limit and not causing excess air pollution.
• Making PUC certificates mandatory for all vehicles is a proactive measure to protect public health by minimizing exposure to harmful pollutants emitted by poorly maintained vehicles.

 

Important Rules Regarding Vehicle PUC Certificate

As per the Motor Vehicles Act, a PUC certificate is mandatory for every vehicle, just like a valid two wheeler insurance, registration certificate and driving license. IRDA Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority has made having a PUC certificate obligatory for vehicle owners wishing to buy or renew a bike or car insurance policy. 

As per 190 (2) of the Motor Vehicle Act, without a valid PUC certificate, one can be prosecuted. First time offence shall attract a fine of 1000 Rs, while you will have to pay 2000 Rs for a second-time offence. And repeating it one more time can cost you to be in police custody. The purpose of a PUC certificate is to make sure vehicle owners take responsibility for environmental issues and contribute towards reducing the rising pollution risks.

After purchasing a vehicle and getting the PUC test done, your PUC certificate gets generated. Post which the test needs to be repeated every 6 months and an updated certificate gets generated. In case the vehicle emissions are found to be hazardous, then it is informed to the nearest RTO and the vehicle registration number is submitted to them as well.

The validity of the PUC Certificate for the new vehicle whether a car or a bike is generally a 1 year. The certificate then needs to be renewed at regular intervals. The validity of the renewed PUC certificate is 6 months for vehicles for both cars and bikes. In case, the reading is adverse, the validity of the PUC certificate will depend on the reading. The cost to obtain the pollution under control certificate varies from Rs.60 to Rs.100 mainly depending on the fuel type.

 

Benefits of Pollution Under Control Certificate

Environment Protection

Foremost benefit of PUC certificate is environmental protection by controlling air pollution caused by vehicle emission. Vehicles emission consists of pollutants and various harmful gasses like CO2, CO, NO, SO2 that contribute to air pollution, smog, and acid rain.

Legal Compliance

In India possessing valid PUCC for your vehicle is mandatory under the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 and non possession can lead to penalties and fines.

Vehicle Maintenance

Emissions tests conducted during PUC certification can be helpful in detecting your vehicle engine problems, fuel efficiency, and other mechanical problems. Early detection and repair at low cost prevents your hefty spend on major failure in future. 

Renewal of Insurance

As per supreme court it is mandatory for all vehicle owners in India to provide valid PUC certificates while renewing their four or two-wheeler insurance. 

Boost Vehicle Resale Value

A valid PUC certificate indicates that the vehicle has been regularly maintained and meets emission standards, making it more appealing to potential buyers. This can encourage them to purchase a second hand vehicle with minimal negotiation.

Reduce Risk of Insurance Denial

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, vehicles that do not possess a valid PUC certificate are ineligible for insurance coverage. This means that without a PUC certificate, you risk having your insurance claim denied in the event of an accident or loss.

 

PUC Certificate Format

• PUC Certificate Number
• Vehicle Registration Number
• Photo of Your Vehicle Number Plate
• Date of PUC Test
• Validity of PUC Certificate
• PUC Test Reading 

 

How to Get PUC Certificate Online?

You can apply online for the PUC certification test, but for the actual emissions test you will have to physically visit your nearby PUC center. Here are steps on how you can get a PUC certificate online.

Step 1: Visit Parivahan website and click on “Online Services” on the home page

 

Step 2: Click on the “PUC Certificate” from the drop down and enter your vehicle registration number.

 

Step 3: Click on “Get Details’, and make online payment

 

Step 4: You will be redirected to an authorized PUC center for emission test details like date, time and unique identification number.

 

Step 5: Visit the PUC center on the provided date and time for the emission test.

 

Step 6: Once your vehicle passes the test, a physical copy of the PUC certificate will be issued to you on time or you can download it online by following the below given steps. 

  

How to Get PUC Certificate Offline?

Here is step by step process to get PUC certificate for your vehicle

 

Step 1: Locate a Government authorized PUC testing center near you.

 

Step 2: Make sure your vehicle is in good testing conditions. Ensure it does not have problems with engine oil, pistons, and air filter.

 

Step 3: PUC operators may ask you to submit a vehicle Registration Certificate to note down vehicle details.

 

Step 4: Emission test process will be carried out, and results will be noted down.

 

Step 5: Upon passing the test PUC certificate will be issued with validity. 

 

Criteria to Obtain Valid PUC Certificate

• The vehicle should be tested at the specified operating conditions (e.g., idle, acceleration) to ensure accurate results.
• The PUC certificate is issued only if the vehicle's emissions are within the prescribed limits for the applicable BS standard.
• The emission test must be conducted using calibrated equipment that complies with the BS norms.

 

Emission Test Procedure to Obtain PUC Certificate

Step 1: The PUC testing personnel ask you to position your vehicle in a designated spot.

 

Step 2: For petrol vehicles, a sensor is placed in the exhaust pipe to take emission readings. For diesel vehicles, a smoke density meter is placed inside the exhaust pipe.

 

Step 3: The vehicle's engine is started and kept idle so that proper emission readings can be taken.

 

Step 4: The system takes and records the readings of emissions such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and other pollutants.

 

Step 5: If your vehicle's emissions are within the permissible limits, the operator will capture a photo of your vehicle registration number plate and you will receive a PUC certificate valid for 6 months.

 

 

Types of Emission Tests During PUC Certification

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Test:

This test checks the level of carbon monoxide emissions from the vehicle. It also helps assess engine performance, air intake, and fuel combustion efficiency.

Hydrocarbon (HC) Test:

This test measures unburnt fuel particles in the exhaust. It helps determine how well the engine is burning fuel.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Test:

This test evaluates carbon dioxide emissions to gauge the vehicle's environmental impact.

Smoke Density Test:

This test measures the amount of black smoke emitted by the vehicle to ensure it's within permissible limits.

Idling CO Test:

This test checks the carbon monoxide emissions when the engine is idling, helping monitor air pollution.

CNG/LPG Leakage Test:

This test is conducted on vehicles using CNG or LPG to check for any gas leaks that could increase emissions and pose safety risks. 

 

PUC Test Passing Criteria for All Vehicles
 

 

Charges and Validity for the PUC Certificate

 

 

Note: Charges may vary depending on the state. Also you may need to pay extra if initial testing fails or you asked for the hard copy. 

 

How to Download PUC Certificate Online?

 

Step 1: Visit Parivahan website at https://puc.parivahan.gov.in/puc

 

Step 2: Enter your vehicle registration number and last 5 characters of your vehicle chassis number.

 

Step 3: Complete security captcha and click “PUC Details”.

 

Step 4: Your vehicle PUC certificate will display on the screen.

 

Step 5: Click on the “Print” button and download a soft copy of the PUC certificate into your device. 

 

FAQs on PUC Certificate

 

Do New Purchased Vehicles Need PUC Certificate?

No, new vehicles come with a PUC certificate with 1 year validity after which they need to be tested for PUCC regularly.

 

Do CNG Vehicles Require a PUC Certificate?

Yes, CNG vehicles also need a PUC certificate, as they emit pollutants like CO and HC.

 

Does an Electric Vehicle Require a PUC Certificate?

No, electric vehicles do not require a PUC certificate as they produce zero emissions.

 

Do BS6 Vehicles Need PUC Certificate?

Yes, BS6 vehicles still require a PUC certificate, even though they meet stricter emission norms.

 

Is there Any Late Charge or Fee for Renewing an Expired PUC Certificate of a Vehicle?

No, there is no late fee or charge for renewing an expired vehicle pollution certificate. It is advisable to visit the nearest emission test center to renew your expired PUC certificate at the earliest.

 

What if PUC is Expired?

After the expiration of the PUC certificate, you must get your vehicle tested and obtain a new one immediately. Driving without a valid PUC can result in fines and penalties.

 

Is the Photocopy of PUCC Valid?

No, photocopy can’t be considered as a valid documents but you can store soft copy of vehicle PUC in DigiLocker, or mParivaahan app which is considered as valid proof.