Vehicle PUC Certificate: Avoid ₹10,000 Challan, Know New Renewal Rules

Nowadays, driving on the road isn’t just about driving licenses and insurance. To protect the environment, the government has made a PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate a mandatory requirement for every vehicle. Whether you own a two-wheeler or a four-wheeler, driving without a pollution certificate is not only harmful to nature but can also result in a hefty fine of ₹10,000. Many people are confused about when to obtain a PUC for a new vehicle and its validity in different states.

What is a PUC Certificate

PUC stands for “Pollution Under Control.” It is an official document that certifies that your vehicle’s emissions and harmful gases (such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons) are within government-set standards. As vehicles age, their engines weaken and smoke emissions increase. To curb this pollution, the government prioritizes the PUC test. Currently, the government has significantly tightened regulations to control pollution.

What are the rules for a new vehicle

If you’ve purchased a new vehicle from a showroom, you don’t need to rush to a pollution testing center immediately. According to the rules, a new vehicle doesn’t require a pollution certificate for the first 12 months (1 year). This is because the engines in new vehicles conform to modern (BS6) standards and don’t emit pollution initially. However, it’s mandatory to get the first inspection done after the first year.

Validity of BS-IV and BS-VI Vehicles

The validity period for a pollution certificate depends on your vehicle’s engine type and state regulations. Let’s understand this in detail:

1. BS-IV and BS-VI Vehicles

The validity period for a PUC for vehicles with these modern engines typically ranges from 6 months to 1 year. In states like Uttar Pradesh, it’s easily valid for one year, while in metropolitan cities like Delhi, it needs to be renewed every six months.

2. BS-III and Older Vehicles

Regulations are a bit stricter for older vehicles. The PUC certificate is only issued for three to six months. Since these vehicles emit more smoke, frequent inspections are a vital environmental requirement.

3. Commercial Vehicles

Heavy vehicles like trucks and buses are also required to undergo inspections every three to six months; otherwise, their permit or fitness certificate may be at risk.

Where and how to get a PUC certificate?

Obtaining a PUC is a very simple and straightforward process. You can obtain it through the following methods:

Almost every major petrol pump has an authorized pollution testing center. Your vehicle is inspected there, and a machine-generated certificate is generated online.

You can also obtain a PUC by visiting your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO).

Once the inspection is complete, you can download your PUC Certificate online by visiting the official website of ‘Parivahan’. You will need to enter the vehicle’s registration number and the last 5 digits of the chassis number.

A hefty fine of ₹10,000

Following changes in traffic rules, hefty fines are being imposed for driving without a valid PUC certificate. Under current rules, a first-time driver’s license can be fined up to ₹10,000. In some cases, the driver’s license can also be suspended for 3 months. Therefore, it is wise to renew your PUC before its expiry date.