Updated on - 13 Jan 2026
A PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate is an important document for all vehicle owners in India. It proves that your car meets the pollution limits set by the government. Driving without a valid PUC can lead to fines or penalties. Getting a PUC test is quick and easy; it can be done at petrol pumps or authorised testing centres. This rule helps reduce air pollution and keeps vehicles in good condition.
In this blog, you will understand that the PUC validity for new cars ensures you follow the law and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.
What is a PUC certificate?
A PUC certificate confirms that a vehicle’s emissions are within the limits set by the Indian government under the Central Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. This certificate is essential for all vehicle owners, alongside their driving licence, registration documents and insurance policy.
Vehicles are checked at authorised testing centres to ensure they meet the required emission standards. If they pass, the PUC Certificate is issued, which contains details such as vehicle registration number, certificate serial number, emission test date, certificate expiry date and emission levels. This data helps in identifying and impounding vehicles that contribute to air pollution.
Validity of PUC certificate
PUC certificate validity for a new car is one year. After this period, renewals are required every six months. However, some states allow driving a new car for six months without a PUC. For older vehicles, the PUC certificate is valid for six months. After this, they must undergo checks every six months to maintain compliance.
In cases where a vehicle's emissions exceed the prescribed limits, the certificate's validity may be reduced to less than six months. Regular checks ensure vehicles remain environmentally friendly and comply with regulations.
Consequences of not having a PUC certificate
Not having a new car PUC validity can lead to several serious issues. Here are the main consequences:
- Hefty penalties: You may be fined ₹1,000 the first time and ₹2,000 for repeated offences. In extreme cases, it could even lead to up to 3 months of imprisonment.
- Insurance renewal issues: A valid PUC certificate is required for renewing your car insurance online or offline. Without it, your insurance renewal might get delayed or denied.
- Environmental harm: Vehicles without a PUC certificate may contribute to higher pollution levels. Ensuring your vehicle meets emission norms is essential to reducing environmental damage.
How to obtain a PUC certificate for your car?
The government has simplified the process, allowing you to access and download the PUC certificate online.
- Take your car to an emission test centre. It could be a fuel station, a licenced centre or any authorised location.
- The operator will test your car's exhaust system for emission levels per state-specific norms.
- If your car meets the emission standards, the operator will issue the PUC certificate.
- Pay the fee (₹60 to ₹100) and receive the certificate.
- If your car fails the test, you'll get a rejection slip and must fix the issues to pass.
Why is it important to have a valid PUC certificate?
A PUC certificate is a crucial document for every vehicle owner for these reasons:
- Compliance with government regulations: A valid PUC certificate shows compliance with the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Failing to have one can result in heavy fines or imprisonment.
- Monitor vehicle condition: Regular PUC checks help you keep track of your vehicle's emission levels, allowing timely maintenance to ensure it stays within the allowed limits.
- Moral responsibility: Keeping your vehicle’s emissions in check is a responsibility towards a cleaner environment, contributing to overall air quality improvement.
- Requirement for motor insurance: A valid PUC certificate is mandatory to purchase or renew car insurance, ensuring your vehicle stays protected under the law.
How to check or download your PUC certificate?
You can easily check or download your PUC certificate online.
- Visit the official website (parivahan.gov.in / https://parivahan.gov.in) and click on the PUC certificate option.
- Enter your vehicle number and the last five digits of your chassis number.
- Once you submit the details, your PUC certificate will appear on the screen.
- You can then download or print it for future use.
This online service helps you save time and avoid visiting the testing centre again. Always keep a copy of your valid PUC certificate while driving.
Role of PUC in car insurance
A valid PUC certificate is very important for obtaining and renewing your third-party and comprehensive car insurance. Also, insurance companies may reject claims if your vehicle does not have an updated PUC at the time of an accident. It proves that your car is environmentally safe and properly maintained. Keeping your PUC valid helps you avoid fines and keeps your insurance policy active.
Conclusion
A PUC certificate is an important document that shows your car meets pollution standards. For new cars, it is valid for the first year from the date of purchase. After that, you must renew it every six months to keep your vehicle legally roadworthy.
If you are planning to buy a new car, you should know that comprehensive car insurance is also critical, like a PUC certificate. If you need expert advice in choosing the right insurance policy, fill out the form on this page. We will help you choose the ideal plan.
FAQs
1. What happens if I don’t have a valid PUC?
If your car doesn’t have a valid PUC, you may have to pay a fine, and your insurance claim can also be rejected.
2. Who can issue a PUC certificate?
A PUC certificate can be issued only by authorised emission testing centres approved by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or State Transport Department.
3. What if a vehicle fails the emission test?
If a vehicle fails the emission test, it must be repaired and retested within a specified time to obtain a valid PUC certificate.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.