Vehicular pollution contributes significantly to particulate matter (PM) 2.5 levels in India, making up 20-30% of the total. Consequently, the Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is essential for all combustion-powered vehicles, including those with CNG kits, operating on Indian roads. The PUC certificate ensures that a vehicle”s emission levels are within permissible limits, helping to curb air pollution. It is as crucial as the vehicle’s registration certificate or a driver’s license.

Importance of a PUC Certificate

The PUC certificate is mandated by the Government of India under Section 190 (2) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. Driving without a valid PUC certificate can result in a fine of up to Rs 10,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Additionally, the vehicle owner could be disqualified from holding their license for three months. Moreover, a vehicle cannot be transferred between Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) or shipped from one state to another without a PUC. Renewing a vehicle”s insurance policy also requires a valid PUC certificate.

Obtaining a PUC Certificate for a New Vehicle

For new vehicles, the PUC certificate is provided along with the registration certificate. The dealership provides an offline copy, and a digital copy can be obtained from the official Parivahan website. Here’s how to access it:

1. Visit the Parivahan website.
2. Click on the “PUC Certificate” tab.
3. Enter your vehicle registration number, the last five digits of the chassis number, and the verification code.
4. Click on “PUC Details”.
5. Print or save your pollution certificate.

Renewing the PUC Certificate

A PUC certificate for a new vehicle is valid for one year. For BS6 vehicles, the renewed certificate is valid for one year, while for vehicles below BS6 emission standards, it is valid for six months. Renewal can be done either offline or online, but the vehicle must be tested at an authorized emission testing center. These centers are typically located at fuel stations or other licensed facilities. Follow these steps for renewal:

1. Take your vehicle to the emission testing center.
2. Position the vehicle as instructed by the testing device operator.
3. The operator will insert a device into the exhaust.
4. Start the vehicle and rev the engine for the device to analyze the exhaust emissions.
5. The device will display the emission readings on a computer screen.
6. The operator will photograph the vehicle’s registration plate and generate the PUC certificate.
7. Pay the applicable fees and collect the pollution certificate.

Fees for PUC Renewal

The fees for renewing a PUC certificate vary by state. Typically, it ranges from Rs 50 to 100 for two-wheelers and Rs 100 to 200 for passenger vehicles. The PUC certificate is a critical document for all vehicle owners in India. Ensuring your vehicle has a valid PUC certificate not only helps in complying with legal requirements but also plays a vital role in reducing vehicular pollution and protecting the environment.