PUC Certificate: The Essential Guide for Vehicle Owners in India for 2023

If you are a vehicle owner in India, you are required by law to have a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. This document verifies that your vehicle’s emission levels are within the permissible levels set by the government and are not harmful to the environment. In this article, we will cover what a PUC certificate is, how to apply for one, and the benefits of having one.

What is a PUC Certificate?

A PUC Certificate, also known as a Pollution Under Control certificate, is a document issued by the government in India that verifies that a vehicle’s emission levels are within the permissible levels set by the government and are not harmful to the environment. It is required by law for all motor vehicles in the country and must be carried while driving. The certificate is valid for a certain period of time before it must be renewed by undergoing another emission test.

How to Apply for a PUC Certificate?

Obtaining a PUC Certificate is a simple process that can be done either offline or online. Here are the steps for each method:

Offline:

  1. Take your vehicle to the nearest authorized emission testing center.
  2. The operator will insert a device into the exhaust pipe and start the engine to measure the emissions.
  3. Pay the applicable fees and collect your PUC Certificate.

Online:

  1. Visit the VAHAN portal of the Parivahan website.
  2. Click on “PUC Certificate” and enter the required information, such as the vehicle registration number and chassis number.
  3. Click on “PUC Details” and print or download the certificate.

Please note that it is only possible to obtain an existing (active) PUC certificate through the online process. If you need to renew or apply for a new PUC certificate, you will need to do so offline at an authorized emission testing center.

How to Download PUC Certificate?

To download your PUC Certificate, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the VAHAN portal of the Parivahan website.
  2. Click on “PUC Certificate” from the top menu bar.
  3. Enter your vehicle’s registration number, chassis number (last five characters), and verification code.
  4. Click on “PUC Details”.
  5. Print or download the PUC Certificate.

What content is mentioned on a PUC Certificate?

A PUC Certificate will contain the following information:

  • The serial number of the certificate, which helps to track when the last test was conducted on the vehicle.
  • The vehicle’s registration number.
  • The date of the PUC test.
  • The expiration date of the PUC test.
  • The PUC test readings.

What is the process for a PUC Test?

The process for a PUC Test on a vehicle involves a simple emission test that can be done at an authorized emission testing center. Here are the steps:

  1. Take your vehicle to the testing center and position it as directed by the operator.
  2. The operator will insert a device into the exhaust pipe.
  3. Start the engine and rev it to allow the device to measure the emissions.
  4. The device will display the readings on a computer screen.
  5. The operator will take a picture of the vehicle’s registration plate and generate the PUC Certificate.
  6. Pay the fees and collect your certificate.

This process typically only takes a few minutes to complete. It is important to note that different criteria may be used for diesel and petrol vehicles during the PUC Test. For example, in the case of diesel vehicles, the accelerator may need to be fully pressed and multiple readings taken, while for petrol vehicles, the car may need to be kept idling without pressing the accelerator.

What are the benefits of PUC Certificates?

There are several benefits to having a valid PUC Certificate for your vehicle:

  • It is required by law, so having a valid certificate will help you avoid fines and prosecution.
  • A PUC Certificate verifies that your vehicle is not contributing an excessive amount of pollution to the environment.
  • Having a valid PUC Certificate is now also necessary to renew your motor insurance policy.
  • It can help to improve the overall air quality in your community by reducing vehicle emissions

FAQs

The validity of a PUC Certificate is usually 6 months, although it can vary based on the test readings. The cost of a PUC test is typically between Rs. 60 and Rs. 100, depending on the vehicle and its fuel type.

Yes, all vehicles in India are required to carry a valid PUC Certificate according to the Motor Vehicles Act. This includes both two and four-wheeled vehicles.

If you are caught driving without a valid PUC Certificate, you may be subject to fines and prosecution under Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act. The first offense carries a fine of Rs. 1000, and subsequent offenses carry a fine of Rs. 2000.

Currently, you can only view and download your existing (active) PUC Certificate online through the VAHAN portal. You cannot renew or apply for a new PUC Certificate online. To renew or apply for a new certificate, you will need to visit an authorized testing center.

For a petrol vehicle, the car is kept idling without pressing the accelerator, and only one reading is taken to determine the final reading.

For a diesel vehicle, the accelerator is fully pressed and the readings of pollution levels are observed. This is repeated five times, and the average constitutes the final reading.

The PUC Test criteria vary based on the type of vehicle and its manufacturing date. Refer to the table provided in the content for specific criteria for each type of vehicle.

Yes, you can get a PUC Certificate at any authorized testing center, including fuel stations, standalone testing centers, and centers with computerized testing equipment.