PUC Certificate for Your Vehicle – Everything You Ever Wondered

It is no secret that air pollution levels across the country are worsening. As per a report by IQAir, a Swiss air quality tech company, India was the 8th most polluted country in the world in 2022. ^[1] It is also no secret that emissions from motor vehicles can majorly contribute to air quality going downhill. With an intention to reduce this contribution, the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 has made it mandatory to have a PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate. It is a certificate verifying that the emissions from your vehicle are within the prescribed norms. Just like it is legally necessary to own a valid motor insurance policy, it is mandatory to have a valid PUC certificate as well. Here’s all you need to know about the PUC certificate for your vehicle.

An Overview of the PUC Certificate 

Almost all motor vehicles emit a certain level of carbon emissions. If left unchecked, the increase in the emissions released by a vehicle can increase. It can worsen the vehicle’s overall health and negatively affect the environment as well. The PUC certificate helps ensure that the emissions of any vehicle do not go beyond a certain limit. This may ensure higher fuel efficiency, durability of the vehicle, and a safer environment in the long run. A PUC certificate contains the following information:

1. The unique serial number of the PUC certificate
2. Registration number of the vehicle
3. The date on which the emission test was carried out
4. Validity of the vehicle pollution certificate
5. Readings of the emission test.

Now that a basic understanding of third party bike insurance is has been established, let’s look at how we can obtain one.

How to Get the PUC Certificate? 

One can obtain the PUC certificate by undergoing the emission test at an authorised testing centre. Let’s look at the emission testing process:

1. You have to visit the emission testing centre.
2. The operator will insert the testing device into the exhaust pipe of your vehicle.
3. You must start your vehicle, revving up the engine such that maximum emissions are released.
4. The readings from the testing device would be visible on the screen.
5. The operator will take an image of the vehicle’s registration number, add the required details, and create the certificate.
6. You must pay the required fees and get the PUC certificate.

Once you have received the certificate, you must carry it when you are driving. A PUC certificate is also important to go ahead with other mandatory aspects, such as renewing your third-party bike insurance policy. You can also get the PUC certificate online.

How to Get a PUC Certificate Online?

You can follow the given steps to download the PUC certificate online:

1. Visit the VAHAN portal on the Parivahan website.
2. Click on ‘PUC certificate’.
3. Enter the relevant details (registration number, chassis number, etc.)
4. Click on ‘PUC details’.
5. Download the PUC certificate.

You can also run a search on ‘PUC certificate download’ or ‘pollution certificate download’ to get started on the online process.

Permissible Levels for the PUC Certificate

To obtain the PUC certificate, the emissions from your vehicle must be within the permissible limits specified for cars and bikes, which are explained in the following tables:

- Permissible emission levels for new cars:

Year of manufacturing	% of Carbon Mono-oxide	Hydrocarbon (measured in PPM)
Four-Wheeler (pre-Bharat Stage II norms)	3	1500
Four-wheeler (pre-Bharat Stage II and subsequent norms)	0.5	750

- Permissible emission levels for new bikes:

Year of manufacturing	% of Carbon Mono-oxide	Hydrocarbon (measured in PPM)
2- or 4-stroke two-wheelers (before 31st March 2000)	4.5	9000
2-stroke two-wheelers (after 31st March 2000)	3.5	6000
4-stroke two-wheelers (after 31st March 2000)	3.5	4500

The norms mentioned above may differ for diesel vehicles and old vehicles.

Some Important Things to Know about the PUC Certificate

1. The cost of obtaining the PUC certificate for your vehicle can vary from Rs 60 to Rs 100, depending on the fuel type.
2. The validity of a new PUC certificate can be for 1 year. After the first year, the certificate has to be renewed every 6 months.
3. In case the emissions from your vehicle go beyond the permissible levels, the testing centre may issue a rejection slip. The owner-driver may have to bring the emissions under the permissible levels to continue riding their vehicles legally.
4. If you are caught driving without a valid PUC certificate, the first-time offence can lead to a fine of Rs 1000, and Rs 2000 for a repeated offence.

Your PUC certificate can help you have a smoother driving experience, ensure the renewal of your motor insurance policy, and create a better environment for all. Hence, you must get one and ensure its renewal on time. *Standard T&C apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.