PUC Certificate

All about Vehicle Pollution Certificate (PUC)

Every human being around us is steadfast and moving fast to achieve success in life. The development has got somewhat synonymous with the deterioration in the air quality and environment.

The number of vehicles has increased exponentially. These two/three or four-wheeler vehicles are causing maximum pollution. Though every now and then the issue catches attention still the pollution index is rising globally.

So as an important part of the society, you can get the pollution under control certificate for our vehicles from the government. But before applying, you should know more about PUC Certificate (or “pollution under control” certificate).

Additionally, now according to the IRDAI, it is mandatory that you have a valid PUC certificate to renew your motor insurance policy.

What is a Vehicle Pollution Certificate (PUC)?

A Pollution Under Control Certificate is an approval that emission from your vehicle is under control and as per the pollution norms.It is an official document issued by the government after the thorough verification of the vehicle’s emission levels.

As per the Motor Vehicle Act, like a motor insurance policy, registration certificate, and driving license, a PUC certificate is now mandatory to carry while driving.

Why PUC Certificate is required?

A PUC certificate is required as a validation. It authorizes that you can use the vehicle legally on the road. PUC Certificate confirms the percentage of carbon emission, that is, the amount of pollution your vehicle may contribute.

Is it Mandatory to have a PUC Certificate?

Having a PUC Certificate is required by the Government of India by the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988. If your vehicle does not have a valid certificate, you will be liable for a Rs 1000 fine (and it’s Rs. 2000 for every subsequent offense!)

Additionally, according to the IRDAI, you need a valid PUC certificate to renew your motor insurance policy.

So, a PUC certificate is a very important document and it is best that you should carry at all times when you are driving your vehicle.

What is the content of the PUC Certificate?

Your PUC certificate for car or bike will have information like:

The serial number of the PUC Certificate. It helps to monitor when was the last test taken by your vehicle.
The registration number of the vehicle.
The date of the PUC test.
The validity date of the PUC test.
The PUC test reading.

Which vehicle requires a PUC Certificate?

All the motor vehicles plying on the Indian roads are required to have a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate. As per the Motor Vehicle Act, the PUC certificate is made mandatory to carry while driving.

Do you need a PUC Certificate for Car?

Yes, you need a Pollution Under Control Certificate for car. Under the PUC test, your car should meet the following criteria. Otherwise, the use of your car will be prohibited.

Year of Manufacturing of Car	% of Carbon Mono-oxide	Hydrocarbon measured in PPM
4 Wheeler manufactured according to Pre Bharat Stage II Norms	3	1500
4 Wheeler manufactured according to Pre Bharat Stage II and Subsequent Norms	0.5	750

Do you need a PUC Certificate for a Bike?

Yes, you would need a PUC certificate for your bike. It is a mandatory document for you to carry. To use your bike without worries, your bike test should meet the following criteria.

Year of Manufacturing of Bike	% of Carbon Mono-oxide	Hydrocarbon measured in PPM
2 Wheeler (2/4 stroke) manufactured before 31st March 2000	4.5	9000
2 Wheeler 2 stroke manufactured after 31st March 2000	3.5	6000
2 Wheeler 4 Stroke manufactured after 31st March 2000	3.5	4500

What is the PUC Test Procedure?

The procedure to obtain PUC is as under:

If the vehicle is new then the motor dealer will arrange for the PUC certificate.
For the renewal, you will have to take the vehicle to any authorized petrol pump.
They will scan the ejection pipe to check for the emission rate.
A certificate will be issued to you after you pay the fees.

What is the Cost and Validity of PUC Certificate?

By now you know that getting a PUC test is important. You must carry the certificate either in soft or hard copy while driving. However, it is also important for you to know the validity and cost of PUC.

The validity of the PUC Certificate for the new car or a bike is 1 year. The certificate will be renewed at regular intervals.
The validity of the renewed certificate is 6 months for both cars and bikes. In case, the reading is adverse, the validity of the certificate will depend on the reading.

The cost to obtain the Pollution Under Control Certificate varies from Rs.60/- to Rs.100/-. The cost also depends on the fuel type.

What are the Penalties for not obtaining a PUC Certificate?

Just like you are penalized for not carrying a motor insurance policy, you will have to pay a fine for not carrying a PUC Certificate. And if you do so, then under section 190 (2) of the Motor Vehicle Act, you will be liable for prosecution.

Other than this, a fine of Rs.1000/- will be charged for the first time offence. But if you repeat it, a fine of Rs.2000/- is to be paid.

It is not always about the fine! It for the greater good of our environment and mother earth. Let’s not destroy it more!

What are the benefits of having a PUC Certificate?

You will be caring for the environment - Air pollution can have a devastating impact on the global environment has, so by ensuring that your vehicle emissions are within the required levels you’ll be helping keep the environment clean
Be aware of your vehicle’s condition - When you regularly renew your PUC certificate every 6 months, you’ll become aware of the pollution levels of your vehicle and if it needs servicing, so that you can get it checked before it becomes a larger problem.
Ensuring that you’re a law-abiding citizen - Having a PUC Certificate is required by the Government of India by the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, and not having one can lead to possible penalties.
It is essential for any Motor Vehicle Insurance - A valid PUC Certificate is one of the mandatory documents that you must have to renew your vehicle insurance.

FAQs about Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

All

Is PUC Certificate required for buying a Motor Insurance Policy?

Yes, a PUC Certificate is required for buying Motor Insurance. It applies to the new as well as the renewal policies of Motor. IRDA has made it compulsory and asked the insurance companies to not insure the vehicle unless they have a PUC certificate.

When should you obtain a PUC Certificate?

The PUC certificate must be obtained when a new vehicle is purchased. The validity of this will be 1 year. And on the expiry, you will have to take the vehicle for the test. A new certificate will be issued to you which will be valid for 6 months.

Should you carry PUC Certificate with you in your Vehicle?

There are a few documents made mandatory to be carried always when you are driving. Out of those, a PUC certificate is also a must.

The traffic police can ask you to show the PUC certificate at any time. Keep a track of the renewal of the PUC certificate.

If you do not own a PUC certificate or carry an expired one, the traffic police have the right to seize your vehicle. They will definitely levy fine for this offence.

And if they feel that your vehicle is emitting more smoke then they can ask you to retake the test and you will have to retake the test within 7 days.

What will happen if you forget to renew your PUC Certificate?

According to the IRDAI, you must have a valid PUC certificate to renew your motor insurance policy. If it is found to have expired you could also be liable to be prosecuted under the Motor Vehicles Act. You can easily check the status of your PUC certificate online.