Vehicle owners in India must obtain a Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate, which confirms that their vehicle's emissions are within government limits set to protect the environment. The first PUC Certificate is usually issued at authorized emission testing centers. However, the government portal,i.e., the Parivahan Sewa Portal (Parivahan Sewa Portal), offers convenience to check the validity of PUC Certificates from their website. This ensures that the vehicle owners abide by the laws, without visiting the test centers. A valid PUC certificate is mandatory under Indian motor vehicle regulations. Driving without one can attract fines and penalties during traffic checks. In this guide, we explain how to get a PUC certificate, its validity, fees, renewal process, and how to download it online.
What Is a PUC Certificate?
A Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is an official document issued after testing a vehicle's exhaust emissions to ensure they comply with government-prescribed limits. It confirms that the vehicle does not emit pollutants beyond permissible levels.
Why Is a PUC Certificate Important?
The PUC Certificate is not just a paper formality. It is a document that tells us whether the vehicle complies with the emission norms. Obtaining a PUC and renewing it from time to time has the following advantages:
- Environmental Pollution: This happens when the vehicle emissions meet the acceptable ranges.
- Legal Compliance: Driving without a PUC can cause you to invoke fines and hassles during traffic investigations.
- Vehicle Health Monitoring: Regular tests can tell you about your vehicle's health, including engine and fuel efficiency.
- Insurance Renewal: Many insurance companies require a valid PUC, for policy renewal.
Under the Motor Vehicles Act, carrying a valid PUC certificate is compulsory. Traffic authorities may impose fines if a vehicle is found without a valid emission certificate.
Steps to Get a New PUC Certificate
Getting a PUC Certificate online completely is impossible because the vehicle must undergo a physical emission test. On the contrary, you can visit an authorized testing center and follow the given steps:
1. Find a nearby PUC Center
Most authorized petrol pumps have a testing center; you can visit an RTO or standalone emission testing center. If you need assistance finding a PUC Center, you can visit Parivahan's PUC Center Locator. (Active PUC Center Lis)
2. Get Your Vehicle Tested
Take your vehicle to the PUC center closest to you and have it checked for emissions. To pass the test, ensure your car is in good condition first, and then keep the Registration Certificate (RC) handy for verification purposes. During testing, a sensor is inserted into the vehicle's exhaust pipe to measure emissions. For petrol vehicles, the test measures COs and HCs. For Diesel vehicles, it measures smoke density and other parameters. And this process generally takes 5-10 minutes.
3. Get Your PUC Certificate
If the vehicle abides by the emission's permissible limit, you will immediately be issued the PUC Certificate. This certificate will include the following details:.
- Your vehicle number.
- PUC test reading.
- Date of issue and expiry.
- Test center details.
Step-By-Step Guide to View & Download PUC Certificate Online
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has made the process of PUC certificate collection much easier on the Parivahan Sewa portal. Collect your certificate as follows:
Step 1: Access the Parivahan Sewa Portal
Access the website: Open a web browser on your computer, then access the official (Parivahan Sewa Portal) by simply typing Parivahan Sewa into the address bar.
Step 2: Go to the PUC Certificate Section
Find the 'PUC Certificate' Option: On the home page, you will see a menu bar at the top. Click on the 'PUC Certificate' option.
Step 3: Enter Vehicle Details
Enter Registration Number: In the given box, enter your vehicle's registration number exactly as it appears on your Registration Certificate (RC).Input Chassis Number: Enter the last five characters of your vehicle's chassis number. This information is also available on your RC.
Security Code: A captcha code will appear on the screen. Enter this code correctly to confirm that you are not a robot.
After filling in all the details, click the 'PUC Details' button. The system will then display the current status of your PUC certificate, including the validity and expiry date.
Step 4: Download and Print the PUC Certificate
Download the Certificate: If your PUC certificate is valid, you will see an option to download it. Click the 'Download' button to save a digital copy.
Print the Certificate: It is advisable to keep a physical copy of the PUC certificate in your vehicle. Print the downloaded certificate and store it safely in your vehicle's document folder. Print the Certificate: It is advisable to keep a physical copy of the PUC certificate in your vehicle. Print the downloaded certificate and store it safely in your vehicle's document folder.
Once you get the certificate, either a printed copy from the testing center or a Downloaded copy. It should look something like this.
PUC Certificate Validity & Renewal
- New vehicles: Valid for 1 year from date of registration.
- After first year: Must be renewed every 6 months.
If emissions exceed limits, the certificate is denied, and the vehicle needs to be checked and repaired.
Getting all these may be overwhelming, so Upride is here to offer you complete assistance. Upride provides expert assistance with getting a new certificate, RTO-related paperwork, a License, and registration support. Upride has you covered from A to Z. Visit (Upride) today and contact us for more details.
Penalty for Driving Without a PUC Certificate
Driving without a valid PUC certificate may result in fines ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹10,000 depending on the state and severity of violation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is a PUC certificate mandatory for new vehicles?Yes, new vehicles come with a PUC certificate valid for 1 year. After that, it must be renewed every 6 months.
- Can I apply for a PUC certificate online?No, you cannot apply for a new PUC certificate online as it requires a physical emission test. However, you can check and download your PUC certificate online from Parivahan's website.
- How much does it cost to get a PUC certificate?The PUC won't be issued if your vehicle fails the test. You'll need to get your vehicle serviced and retest it.
- How can Upride help with getting a PUC certificate?(Upride) offers expert RTO consultancy services to help you with PUC certification, license applications, and vehicle registration without blockages.
Conclusion
Keeping your PUC certificate valid ensures compliance with Indian traffic laws and helps reduce environmental pollution. Renew on time and stay road-legal.