Tue. Mar 19th, 2024
PUC

As we all know, pollution has made things worse in the last couple of years. The Air Quality Index is getting high rating every second day and alerts us to wear mask, such is the drastic condition of Pollution in the air. Pollution is disturbing the environment, is responsible for major climate changes and Global Warming all over the world. And it does not stops there, a whole lot of people are facing breathing problems, infections in throat and improper functioning of lungs due to the excessive pollution in the environment.

Vehicles demand is expanding every day, with a new shape, size, model, and technology. With this level of demand for vehicles, there are definite and extreme chances of pollution condition getting even worse than it is today, in the near future. So, to cater that, the Government has enforced some crucial rules for vehicle owners to at least minimize this environmental damage. And, for that PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate is mandatory document that a vehicle owner needs, in order to abide by all rule and regulations enabled by the Government of India.

Also read: Bharat NCAP: India’s New Car Safety Assessment Program

What is a PUC Certificate?

It is a document that approves that your vehicle has the right amount of emission levels and the vehicle is within the rules and norms of stipulated pollution levels. This is authorized by testing emission centers across India that is usually present in the Petrol Pumps. The certificate is allotted by the government once authorized by these testing centers of the emission levels of your vehicle. The Ministry of Transport has mandated that the PUC certificate must be carried by the vehicle owner at all times, through the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1989.

Also Read : RTO Vehicle Registration Codes

What are the prescribed norms of PUC (Pollution Under Control)?

Under the rule 115(2) of the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1989, the standards of pollution for vehicles are fixed all over India and are revised on a regular basis, to keep the pollution or emission levels under control. The Automotive Research Association of India updates about the regulations, limits, exhaust emission measurements, net fuel consumption.

What does a Pollution certificate or PUC include?

The PUC certificate includes the details of the vehicle registration number, PUC certificate’s serial number, date of the test, test reading and validity date of the emission test. The certificate is one of the necessary documents that are required to be carried by the vehicle owner every time he/she is driving their vehicle.

Also Read : HSRP and Colour-Coded Sticker: How to order and cost

PUC limits for various vehicles

VEHICLE TYPECARBON MONOOXIDEHYDROCARBON (PPM)
Four-Wheeler manufactured as per Bharat Stage 2 (BSII) Norms (Petrol Cars)3%1500
Four-Wheeler manufactured as per Bharat Stage 3 (BSIII) Norms (Petrol Cars)0.5%750
Two and Three Wheelers manufactured after 31st March, 2000 (Two Stroke)3.5%6000
Two and Three Wheelers manufactured after 31st March, 2000 (Four Stroke)3.5%4500
CNG/LPG Four-Wheelers manufactured as per Bharat Stage 4 (BS-IV) Norms0.3%200
Four-Wheelers manufactured as per Bharat Stage 4 (BS-IV) Norms (Petrol Cars)0.3%200

Also Read: RTO Form 28

How can you get a PUC Certificate?

The PUC certificate is granted to those vehicles that pass the regulated PUC test. The validity of this certificate is only for 6 months and all vehicle owners have to get their vehicles tested twice a year. The testing centers are mostly located in the petrol pumps and are authorized for having specific testing devices and trained employees to conduct the test smoothly. There are other individual testing centers too, where you can get your vehicle tested and get the PUC Certificate. The test checks whether the emissions of CO and Hydrocarbon in ppm are in the permitted values or not.

Also Read: Top 5 Safest Cars in India with Global NCAP Rating

What is the cost of PUC testing and certificate?

The cost of PUC testing and certificate ranges between Rs.60 to Rs.100, depending on the vehicle you are putting for the PUC test.

Test procedure for PUC testing

  1. For diesel vehicles, the accelerator is pressed with the maximum effort, and the pollution level readings are noted down. This is repeated five times and the average of the five is the final reading.
  2. For Petrol vehicles, the vehicle’s engine is started and the vehicle is not in motion, the accelerator is not pressed here. This reading is only taken for one time and final reading is observed.

Why is PUC Certificate so important?

The PUC Certificate is important because it gives the following information:

  1. The readings and observations of the PUC levels tested for your vehicle.
  2. The date of test being conducted.
  3. The date of the expiration of the certificate.
  4. It is the proof that your vehicle is within the set norms by the government.
  5. You do not have to bear penalties of its absence, if PUC certificate is available with you at the time of document checking.
  6. You will be aware that your vehicle is environment friendly or not.

Also Read: How to get Vehicle Fitness Certificate Online?

What happens if you do not have a PUC Certificate or if it is tested above emission levels permitted by the government?

If you do not have a PUC certificate, as per Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, the owner of the vehicle or driver will be charged Rs.1000 for the first time of the offence and Rs.2000 for every other time.

If your vehicle is tested but does not meet the emission levels as per the required norms, then the RTO will be informed of the registration number of the vehicle by the testing center in one day.

Also Read: New Motor Vehicle Act 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

Does all the vehicles require PUC certificate?

Yes, all motor vehicles require PUC certificate in India.

Who has the authority to conduct PUC test successfully?

A minimum qualification is the degree in motor mechanics or automobile engineering issued by a recognized institution, is required when a person is conducting PUC test.

Are there any documents to submit before the PUC test?

No, you are required to take your vehicle with you for the test, other than that no documents as such are required.

What is the cost of PUC testing?

The cost of PUC testing is between Rs.60 and Rs.100, depending on your vehicle.

If I have to travel in a different State of the country, will my PUC be valid there?

Yes, absolutely. The PUC certificate of your vehicle is valid across India.

RTO Office » RTO » Pollution Certificate (PUC): Procedure, Status, and Cost

By Sakshi Srivastava

I am Sakshi Srivastava. I am pursuing Masters of Commerce from Amity University, Lucknow. I have completed my Bachelors in Commerce from Amity University, Lucknow as well.