With rising concerns over air pollution, the Indian government has mandated stringent emission standards for motor vehicles across the country. Once a vehicle meets these regulations, it is granted a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, an essential document for legally operating on public roads.
A PUC certificate for two-wheelers is vital in ensuring that motorcycles and scooters adhere to environmental standards. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of the PUC certificate, including its importance, the steps to obtain one (both online and offline), and the penalties for non-compliance.
What Does the Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate Means?
The PUC certificate is a government-issued document that verifies that a vehicle’s emissions are within the acceptable limits as per the Central Motor Vehicles Act. It must be renewed periodically to ensure continued compliance with environmental laws.
The PUC certificate of a vehicle contains the subsequent information:
- Vehicle registration number
- PUC certificate serial number
- Emission test date
- Validity period of the certificate
- Emission level readings of the vehicle
Depending on the type of vehicle, getting a PUC certificate usually costs between ₹60 and ₹100.
How to Obtain a PUC Certificate in India?
The dealer will provide you with a PUC certificate that is valid for one year when you purchase a new vehicle. After this period, you must renew it by following these steps:
PUC Centre
Locate a PUC Centre
Emission Testing
Payment and Certificate Issuance
Visit a PUC testing centre that is authorised in your area. This could be a private facility, a government-approved station, or a petrol outlet that offers testing services.
The executive at the PUC centre will capture the emission levels of the vehicle by scanning its exhaust pipe.
A PUC certificate is issued if the vehicle's emissions meet the legal limits after the requisite payment is made.
VAHAN or PARIVAHAN Sewa Portal Verified Approval
The PUC certificate can also be obtained digitally by adhering to the following steps:
- Visit the Parivahan Seva website
- Navigate to the PUC Certificate section
- Please provide the last five digits of the chassis number and your vehicle registration number
- Complete the captcha verification
- Make the required payment as per the site instructions
- Download your digital PUC certificate.
The Role of an Emission Test in Getting a PUC Certificate
Emission tests evaluate a vehicle’s pollution levels using a gas analyser to detect hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants. These readings are compared against government-mandated limits. A PUC certificate is issued if the vehicle complies with the regulations.
Different Types of Emission Tests: Measuring Emissions from Cars
The following are a few typical tests used to check vehicle emissions:
Idle Emission Test
High Idle Emission Test
Opacity Test
Conducted while the engine is idle, this test is used for petrol and diesel motorcycles.
A higher engine speed test to identify pollutants in vehicle exhaust.
Devised for diesel vehicles, this test measures the thickness of smoke emitted.
Cost of Obtaining a Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
The price of a PUC certificate varies based on the kind of car and where it was tested. Commonly, two-wheelers must pay ₹60 to ₹100 for a proper certification.
Is it feasible to renew a PUC certificate online?
There is no way to get an online PUC certificate for a two-wheeler right now. A two-wheeler must pass an emissions test at an approved centre in order to acquire a fresh PUC certificate. PUC certificate renewal requires a physical emission test at an authorised centre, and online renewal is not available.
PUC Certificates Downloading
To acquire the certificate, just go to the "PUC Certificate" section of the PARIVAHAN portal, fill out the required information, and click "Submit."
Are you in search of PUC centres that have been approved by the RTO?
You can locate authorised PUC emission testing centres through the Parivahan Seva website:
- Navigate to the PUC section of the Parivahan Seva portal.
- Click on "PUC Centre List".
- Opt for your state and district. All approved centres will appear in a list.
Each listing includes the PUC centre’s full address, contact details, and the types of vehicles they test.
What is the significance of possessing a PUC Certificate in India?
It is essential to possess a PUC certificate in order to guarantee that vehicles adhere to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (1989) regarding pollution control.
Legal Regulations and Consequences
New vehicles
Older vehicles
A PUC certificate is eligible for one year after you sign up for it.
They require PUC renewal every six months.
Violations for Failure to Possess a PUC Certificate
As per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, failing to have a PUC certificate results in:
- ₹1,000 fine for first-time offenders.
- ₹2,000 fine for subsequent violations.
- Up to ₹10,000 in penalties for major offenses in metro cities like Delhi.
Laws in India Regarding PUC Certificate
A PUC certificate for a new bicycle is valid for one year following its registration. The PUC must be updated every six months for motorcycles that are older.
Possible Fines for No PUC on a Bike
The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 says that every car owner in India must have a valid PUC certificate as well as additional documentation, including vehicle insurance coverage, such as bike or auto insurance, a registration certificate, a driving licence, and a tax token.
If you are a first-time offender, failing to have a PUC certificate will result in your booking under Section 190(2) of the MV Act and a punishment of ₹ 1,000. You will always be required to pay a fine of ₹ 2,000 for future or repeat violations. In urban areas like Delhi, this sum may reach 10,000 rupees.
PUC Certificate Inclusions
A PUC certificate includes the following:
- Your bike's registration number
- Date of emission test conducted
- The certificate's validity period
- Emission test readings
Eligibility of PUC Certificate for a Bike
The PUC certificate for two-wheelers is given by the dealer and is good for a year after the vehicle is registered. The government claims that the car's PUC certificate needs to be renewed after that. The PUC certificate has a six-month validity period for cars older than five years.
The duration of a PUC certificate's validity, however, shall be determined by the reported emission levels in the event of negative readings.
Approved Emission Levels for New Bikes
1. For New Two-Wheelers
Carbon monoxide levels
Hydrocarbon emissions
Below 0.5%
Less than 750 parts per million (ppm)
2. For Older Two-Wheelers
Carbon monoxide levels
Hydrocarbon emissions
Below 3.5%
Below 2000 ppm
Is it necessary to have a PUC while driving?
You need to carry a current PUC certificate with you when you ride your bike because-
- It shields you from penalties in the event of an inspection
- It serves as evidence that you abide by environmental laws
- Having the certificate reduces the likelihood of running afoul of the law when driving.
Conclusion
You should take your car to an emission testing facility and obtain a PUC certificate before it expires, as a law-abiding citizen of our nation. You should have your car evaluated by a mechanic if the emissions are discovered to be greater than the allowed limit. Maintaining your car's pollution levels within acceptable bounds requires routine maintenance. The cost of any necessary repairs will be covered by your two wheeler insurance. You may contribute to road safety and environmental protection by abiding by these easy guidelines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate?
A PUC certificate is a government-issued certification that shows that a vehicle's emissions are within the legal limits.
How can I obtain a PUC certificate for my vehicle?
A PUC certificate can be obtained by undergoing an emission test at an authorised centre or applying online through the Parivahan Sewa portal.
What happens if I don't have a valid PUC certificate?
Driving without a PUC certificate can result in fines ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹10,000, depending on the location and frequency of violations.
Is a PUC certificate mandatory for EVs (electric vehicles)?
No, a PUC certificate is not required in order to ride an electric bike.
Can I get a PUC certificate from any testing centre?
No, you should only obtain a valid PUC certificate from RTO-approved facilities.
