PUC Certificate: Why It Is Important & Full Form Explained

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• PUC is legally very important for your vehicle
• A valid PUC means your vehicle is environment friendly
• Know the full form of PUC here

Do you own a vehicle in India? If so, then you need to know about PUC certificate. PUC stands for Pollution Under Control, and these certificates are mandatory for all vehicles in India. Pollution Under Control certificate ensures that your vehicle is not emitting harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. These pollutants can cause a number of health problems, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.

PUC certificate is issued by authorized centers and must be renewed every year. The cost of this certificate varies from state to state, but it is typically around 9100 to 9200. Getting it is a simple process. All you need to do is take your vehicle to an authorized center and have it tested. The test will only take a few minutes, and it is well worth the peace of mind knowing that you are helping to reduce air pollution. Do note the validity depends on the age of your vehicle. The last BS6 vehicle need to renew PUC every 12 months.

So, if you are a vehicle owner in India, make sure to get your certificate for your vehicle today. It is the right thing to do for the environment and for your health.

What is a PUC Certificate?

A PUC certificate is a document that proves that a vehicle has passed a pollution control test. The test measures the amount of pollutants emitted by the vehicle, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. Vehicles that pass the test are issued a PUC certificate, which is valid for one year for latest BS6 vehicles. For older ones, it can vary and is usually 3 months.

What are the pollutants that are tested for in a PUC test?

A PUC (Pollution Under Control) test, also known as an emission test or smog check, is conducted to measure the level of pollutants emitted by a vehicle's exhaust system. The specific pollutants tested for can vary slightly depending on the region and the applicable regulations. However, in general, the following pollutants are commonly tested for in a PUC test:

• Carbon monoxide (CO)
• Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
• Hydrocarbons (HC)
• Particulate matter (PM)

What are the limits for each pollutant?

The limits for each pollutant vary from state to state. However, the following are the general limits for each pollutant:

• Carbon monoxide (CO): 4.5 grams per kilometer (g/km)
• Nitrogen oxides (NOx): 60 parts per million (ppm)
• Hydrocarbons (HC): 150 ppm
• Particulate matter (PM): 100 micrograms per cubic meter (5g/m3)

Why is a PUC Certificate Mandatory?

PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate is mandatory in India to reduce air pollution. Air pollution is a major problem in India, and it is caused by a number of factors, including emissions from vehicles. It helps to reduce air pollution by ensuring that vehicles are not emitting harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.

Obtaining a PUC Certificate: Offline and Online Methods

When it comes to obtaining a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate for your vehicle, you have the option of obtaining it either offline or online. Here, we will outline the step-by-step procedures for obtaining a Pollution Under Control certificate through both methods.

Offline Method

If you prefer to obtain your certificate through offline channels, follow these steps:

1. Visit the nearest emission testing centre:

• Locate a nearby fuel station or authorised standalone emission testing centre.
• Ensure they have the necessary computerised testing equipment.

2. Vehicle emission analysis:

• Drive your vehicle to the chosen centre.
• The operator will place a testing device inside your vehicle's exhaust pipe.
• The device will analyze the exhaust emissions.

3. PUC certificate generation:

• Based on the emission readings, the operator will generate the PUC certificate.
• The certificate confirms your vehicle's compliance with pollution control norms.

4. Fee payment and collection:

• Pay the applicable fees.
• Collect the printed format of the certificate from the centre.

Online Method:

To obtain your PUC certificate online, follow these steps:

1. Visit the VAHAN portal on the Parivahan website:

• Access the official website, VAHAN portal dedicated to vehicle-related services.

2. Navigate to the "PUC Certificate" section:

• Look for the specific section related to PUC certificates on the website.

3. Enter vehicle details:

• Provide your vehicle's registration number and the last five characters of the chassis number.
• Enter the verification code displayed on the website.

4. Retrieve PUC details:

• Click on the "PUC Details" button to access your existing PUC certificate.
• View the details of your active pollution certificate.

5. Download or print the certificate:

• Choose the option to download or print the PUC certificate for your records.

Emission Test Procedure

To obtain a PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate, you must have your vehicle emissions tested at an authorized testing center. The test is a simple procedure that takes only a few minutes, follow these steps:-

• Take your vehicle to an authorized testing center.
• Position your vehicle as instructed by the testing center operator.
• The operator will insert a device into your vehicle's exhaust pipe.
• Start your vehicle and rev the engine.
• The device will analyze the exhaust emissions and display the readings on a computer screen.
• The operator will take a picture of your vehicle's registration plate and generate the certificate.
• Pay the applicable fees and collect your certificate.

How to Download Your PUC Certificate

You can also download your PUC certificate online through the official VAHAN portal. To do this, follow these steps:

• Visit the VAHAN portal website.
• Click on "PUC Certificate" from the top menu bar.
• Enter your vehicle registration number, chassis number (last five characters), and security code.
• Click the "PUC Details" button.
• The next page will display your PUC certificate details. You can either download or print the certificate.

How to Check the PUC Certificate Active Status

To check the status of your PUC certificate online, you will need to access the VAHAN portal through the Parivahan website. Once you are on the VAHAN portal, follow these steps:

• Select the "PUC Certificate" option.

• Enter your vehicle's registration number and chassis number.

• Click on the "Submit" button.

Your PUC certificate status will be displayed on the next page.

Here are some additional tips you can use:

• Make sure that your vehicle is in good condition before you take it to the PUC testing center.
• Bring all of the required documents with you to the PUC testing center.
• Be prepared to pay the certificate fee.
• Keep your certificate in a safe place.

How to Find RTO Approved PUC Centres

To know the details of RTO approved PUC Centres, the Centre has launched Parivahan, an online database and platform for transport-related services. Follow the steps below to find PUC Centres approved by the RTO:

• Visit the PUC Certificate section of the Parivahan website.
• From the options (navigation menu), click on PUC Centre List.
• In the new page, select the state and the office and you will be able to view the list of RTO approved PUC Centres along with their address, types of vehicles they test, email address and contact number.

Also Read : Maruti Cars Set To Get Safer With 2 More Safety Features As Standard

How Much Does a PUC Certificate Cost?

The cost of a PUC certificate varies from state to state and also depends on the type of vehicle. In general, the cost of a PUC certificate for a two-wheeler is around 960, while the cost of a PUC certificate for a four-wheeler is around 9100.

Here is a table that shows the approximate cost of a PUC certificate in different states for two-wheelers and four-wheelers:

It is important to note that the cost of a PUC certificate may vary from time to time. It is always best to check with your local Pollution Control Board (PCB) for the latest rates.

What Happens If I Don't Have a Pollution Under Control Certificate?

If you are caught driving without a Pollution Control (PUC) certificate, you may be fined. The fine amount varies by state, but it can be as high as 9500. A PUC certificate is a mandatory document that all vehicles must have in order to be driven on public roads. It is issued by a Pollution Control Board (PCB)-approved testing center.

The purpose of this certificate is to ensure that vehicles are not emitting harmful pollutants into the air. When a vehicle is tested, its emissions are measured and compared to the standards set by the PCB. If the emissions are within the acceptable limits, the vehicle is issued a Pollution Under Control certificate.

If you are caught driving without the certificate, you may be fined. You may also be issued a notice to produce your certificate within a specified time period. If you fail to produce a certificate within the specified time period, your vehicle may be impounded.

It is important to note that the penalties for driving without a certificate can be severe. In addition to being fined, you may also have your vehicle impounded. To avoid these penalties, it is important to make sure that your vehicle has a valid certificate before you drive it on public roads.

Additional Information

• Pollution Under Control certificates are valid for one year.
• You can renew your certificate at any authorized PUC center.
• You can check the validity of your certificate online or by contacting your local transport department.
• If you lose your certificate, you can apply for a duplicate certificate at any authorized PUC center