PUC (Pollution Under Control)

What is PUC?

PUC can be expanded as Pollution Under Control. It is a certificate which every vehicle owner in India should possess. The certificate is proof that you are legally riding or driving your vehicle and it meets all the environmental standards. Authorized emission testing centers are available all over India from where you can get the certificate

Types of PUC

Pollution Under Control certificate types depend on the type of vehicle that you are driving. Here are the types of certificates and their details.

PUC Certificates for Petrol Cars

If you have a petrol car, you have to maintain the following norms as shown in the table below −

Vehicle	Emission of carbon mono oxide	Hydrocarbon (PPM)
Cars manufactured under Bharat Stage 2 Norms	3%	1500
Cars manufactured under Bharat Stage 3 Norms	0.5%	750

PUC Certificates for Bikes and Three-Wheelers

The norms for bikes and three-wheelers can be found in the table below −

Vehicle	Emission of carbon mono oxide	Hydrocarbon (PPM)
Two and four-stroke vehicles (Two-wheelers and three-wheelers) manufactured on or before March 31, 2000	5%	9000
Two-stroke vehicles (Two-wheelers and three-wheelers) manufactured after March 31, 2000	3.5%	6000
Four-stroke vehicles (Two-wheelers and three-wheelers) manufactured after March 31, 2000	3.5%	4500

PUC Certificates for Petrol/CNG/LPG Vehicles

The details of emissions for the Petrol, CNG, and LPG vehicles that are manufactured on Bharat stage 4 can be found in the table below −

Vehicle	Emission of carbon mono oxide	Hydrocarbon (PPM)
CNG LPG four-wheelers manufactured under Bharat Stage 4 Norms	0.3%	200
Petrol four-wheelers manufactured under Bharat Stage 4 Norms	0.3%	200

PUC Certificates for Diesel Vehicles

The norms for diesel vehicles can be found in the table below −

Type of Test	Light Absorption Coefficient	Maximum Smoke Density in Hartridge Units
Free acceleration for vehicles manufactured before Bharat Stage 4	2.45	65
Free acceleration for vehicles manufactured as per Bharat Stage 4	1.62	50

Content of PUC

The details that are needed to obtain a PUC are as follows −

• Registration number of the vehicle.

• The serial number of the PUCC.

• The date on which the emission test was done.

• PUC test validity date.

• Emission test reading of the vehicle.

Difference between a PUC certificate and a vehicle fitness certificate

PUC certificate shows the emission of carbon monoxide in a two, three, and four-wheeler vehicle. A vehicle fitness certificate confirms that the vehicle is suitable to run on Indian roads.

Finding an RTO-approved PUC Centre

If you do not know the location of any authorized PUC center, you can follow the steps below −

• Step 1 − Navigate to the VAHAN online portal of the Parivahan website

• Step 2 − Look for the PUC center list and click it

• Step 3 − Look for the nearby PUC center by clicking the State and Office dropdown list

How to obtain a PUC Certificate?

You can get a PUC certificate online and offline. Here are the steps for both of the ways.

Steps to obtain a PUC certificate offline

• Step 1 − Take the vehicle to the nearest emission center

• Step 2 − The operator will check the emission from the exhaust pipe by putting a testing device inside

• Step 3 − A PUC certificate will be generated which will include the emission reading

• Step 4 − You have to pay the required fee to get the certificate

Steps to obtain a PUC certificate online

• Step 1 − Navigate to the VAHAN portal available on the Parivahan website

• Step 2 − Look for the PUC Certificate and click it

• Step 3 − Enter the following −

  • Vehicle registration number

  • Chassis number (last five characters)

  • Verification code

• Step 4 − PUC details should be clicked

• Step 5 − The certificate can be downloaded or printed

These steps are only applicable to the existing certificate. You cannot apply for a new PUC certificate nor can you renew it online.

Price of obtaining a PUC Certificate

The price of obtaining a PUC certificate for a car or bike varies between Rs. 60 and Rs. 100. The price depends on the following

• Type of vehicle

• Type of fuel

• State you are residing in

Importance of PUC Certificate

• A PUC certificate should always be carried while driving

• A PUC certificate should always be renewed

• A PUC certificate is also beneficial for the environment as it is not issued for vehicles that do not meet the norms

Penalty for not carrying a PUC Certificate

As per the Motor Vehicle Act people who do not carry the PUC certificate have to go for prosecution and pay a fine of Rs. 1,000. If the offense is committed for the first time. If the offence is repeated the fine will be Rs. 2,000.

Conclusion

A PUC certificate is always needed while driving a vehicle or riding a bike. The certificate can be obtained from authorized centers. A PUC certificate is valid for a new vehicle for up to one year and for the old one for up to six months. It should always be renewed.

FAQs

FAQ 1: Where to get a PUC certificate?

A PUC certificate can be obtained from

• Petrol Pumps all over the country which have PUC centres

• Licensed auto emission centres which have a computerized facility

• Standalone licensed emission testing centers

FAQ 2: What is the validity period of a PUC certificate?

A PUC certificate is valid for a new vehicle. When it is renewed, it is valid for six months. After every six months, you have to renew the certificate.

FAQ 3: Can a PUC certificate be renewed online?

No! A PUC certificate cannot be renewed online. You will have to go to the authorized center for renewal.

FAQ 4: Is it necessary to carry the PUC certificate while driving?

Yes! It is necessary to carry the certificate while driving

FAQ 5: Can a PUC certificate be obtained in another state?

Yes! A PUC certificate can be obtained in another state?