It 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.

The test helps to check if the vehicle emissions are within compliance with the set air pollution norms. Be it LPG, CNG, Diesel or Petrol, every fuel vehicle needs to have a PUC test done. Such testing is generally done at the fuel pump itself or even at independent PUC testing centres that are available. It can also be obtained online through the VAHAN - Parivahan portal. PUC testing and certificates are an effort of the Indian government to reduce overall pollution and ensure that vehicles run on Indian roads under a controllable emissions limit.

PUC Pointers and Importance

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 year. The certificate then needs to be renewed at regular intervals.The validity of the renewed PUC certificate is 6 months for vehicles – 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 PUC Certificate varies from Rs.60 to Rs.100 mainly depending on the fuel type.

PUC Test Procedure

While the PUC certificate and test are highly important there are certain steps that need to be followed in order to complete the procedure for the test and certificate. Let’s take a look at the steps towards the procedure;

• When a new vehicle is purchased, the motor dealer sets you up for the PUC test and certificate.
• At the time of renewal, you will have to take your vehicle to any authorised petrol pump, get the test done and obtain a renewed certificate.
• While testing they will scan the ejection pipe to check for the vehicle emission level, and whether it is within the set limits.
• Once the test is done and you have paid the set fee, the PUC certificate shall be issued to you, against your vehicle.

Contents of PUC Certificate

A PUC certificate contains detailed information about the PUC test done. It includes;

• PUC certificate serial number
• Vehicle’s license plate or registration number
• Date of the PUC test
• The expiry date of the PUC Certificate
• Vehicle emissions levels

PUC – Pollution Level Criteria for Vehicles

Benefits of a PUC Certificate

Knowing how important PUC tests and certificate are, let’s look at their benefits;

• Care for the environment
• Reducing air pollution levels
• Keeping aware of vehicle condition and status
• Making a responsible and law-abiding citizen
• Follow rules and regulations of mandatory documentation for vehicles

Ideally, as you purchase a new vehicle you should get the PUC test done and generate a PUC certificate. It is also advisable to not miss the test and certificate updating at regular intervals as PUC is a mandatory document for every vehicle to run on Indian roads safely and securely. The role of the PUC certificate is to be more aware of the environment and reduce the damage caused by rising pollution levels across the country.