Updated on 27-03-2025
To tackle the rising air pollution in the country, the Government of India has laid down standardised rules for allowing emission levels from motor vehicles. Under this rule, all motor vehicles in India have to mandatorily undergo an emission test and if their emission levels comply with the norms, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is awarded to them.
This is done to ensure that every vehicle is safe to run on roads, without creating much air pollution. Different classes of vehicles have different emission levels and it is compulsory for every vehicle in India to have a valid PUC certificate. Non-adherence to this rule may attract traffic fine or imprisonment or both.
In this article, we will tell you more about a PUC (Pollution Under Control) Certificate and you will also get to know how to get a PUC certificate online as well as offline for your vehicle. Continue reading.
What is a Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate?
A PUC certificate, also known as the Pollution Under Control certificate, is a Government-issued document that is awarded to a vehicle if its emission levels are found to be within the permissible limits. As per the Central Motor Vehicles Act, a valid PUC certificate must be present with every vehicle on the road at all times.
The PUC certificate of a vehicle contains the following information:
- Vehicle’s registration number
- Serial number of the PUC certificate
- Date of the emission test
- Validity date of the PUC certificate
- Reading of the emission level of the vehicle
The PUC certificate can be obtained by a vehicle owner by paying a nominal fee which ranges between ₹ 60 to ₹ 100.
How to Get a PUC Certificate in India?
The PUC certificate for new vehicles is provided by the dealer and it comes with a validity of one year. Post that, you need to follow the steps mentioned to get a PUC certificate for your vehicle.
Offline Method: By Visiting the Emission Test Centre
Step 1 – Find a PUC centre near you. It could be a petrol pump or a government-licensed auto emission testing centre, or a private emission testing centre.
Step 2 – Get the exhaust pipe of your car or two-wheeler scanned by the testing executive at the PUC center. The emission levels of your vehicle will be recorded.
Step 3 – You will be required to pay a requisite fee to the testing executive. If the emission levels of your vehicle are within the authorised limits, you will be provided with a PUC certificate containing your vehicle’s emission readings.
Online Method: Via the VAHAN or PARIVAHAN Sewa Portal
Below are the steps to get your PUC certificate online:
Step 1 – Visit the Parivahan Seva website
Step 2 – Click on the PUC certificate section
Step 3 – Enter the registration number of your vehicle and the last 5 digits of its chassis number
Step 4 – Fill in the captcha code
Step 5 – Make the payment as required by the portal
Step 6- Download the certificate digitally
What is the Emission Test Procedure to Get a PUCC?
The emission test checks carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon levels in the exhaust of the vehicle.
- The exhaust of your vehicle is checked with a gas analyser
- The readings are then compared to the permissible limits set by government regulations.
- If the emissions are under permissible limits, the PUC certificate is issued.
Different Types of Emission Tests for Vehicles and Their Emission Measurement
Some of the common tests for checking vehicle emissions are-
- Idle emission test: It is done for bikes that use petrol and diesel. It is conducted when the engine is resting.
- The high-idle emission test: It is done at higher engine speeds to check for pollutants emitted.
- Opacity test: This checks the smoke density of diesel vehicles.
Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate Charges
The charges for a PUC certificate vary based on the type of vehicle and the location of the testing centre. It is usually from 60 to 100 rupees for bikes.
How to Renew a PUC Certificate Online?
You cannot renew a PUC certificate online. The vehicle must undergo an emission test at an authorised emission centre to get a new PUC certificate.
What is the PUC Certificate Download Process?
Simply visit the “PUC Certificate” option on the PARIVAHAN portal, enter the required details, and download the certificate.
How to Find RTO-approved PUC Centres?
You can find your nearest PUC centre or emission testing centre by visiting the Parivahan Seva website. All you need to do is just follow the steps mentioned below:
Step 1 – Visit the PUC section of the Parivahan Seva website
Step 2 – From the navigation menu, choose “PUC Centre List”
Step 3 – Select your state and district, and you will be able to view all RTO-approved emission testing centres near you. You will also find the complete address of the PUC centre, the types of vehicles they test, and their contact details.
Why PUC Certificate is Compulsory in India?
A PUC certificate is proof that your two-wheeler follows the laws made to protect the environment by reducing pollution from vehicle exhaust. It helps you comply with the Central Motor Vehicle Rules of 1989.
PUC Certificate Rules and Regulations in India
For new bikes, a PUC certificate is valid for 1 year from the date of registration, while older two-wheelers require PUC renewal every 6 months.
Penalty or Challan for Not Having a PUC for Bike
As per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, it is mandatory for every vehicle owner in India to have a valid PUC certificate along with other documents like motor insurance policies including car insurance or bike insurance, registration certificate, driving license, and tax token. Not having a PUC certificate will get you booked under Section 190(2) of the MV Act and will attract a penalty of ₹ 1,000 fine if you’re a first-time offender.
For subsequent or repeat offences, you will have to pay a fine of ₹ 2,000 every time. In cities like Delhi, this amount can go up to 10,000 rupees.
What is Included in the PUC Certificate?
The inclusions of a PUC certificate are:
- Registration number of your bike
- The date on which the emission test was done
- The validity period of the certificate
- Readings of emission test
What is the Validity of the PUC Certificate for the Bike?
For two-wheelers, the PUC certificate is provided by the dealer itself and is valid for one year from the date of registration of the car. Post that, the PUC certificate of the vehicle needs to be renewed as per the Government’s guidelines. For vehicles that are more than 5 years old, the PUC certificate comes with a validity of six months.
However, in case of adverse readings, the time frame for the validity of a PUC certificate will depend upon the recorded emission levels.
What are the Permissible Emission Levels for New Bikes?
For new bikes, carbon monoxide levels need to be less than 0.5% and the hydrocarbon emission under 750 ppm.
What are the Permissible Levels for Old Bikes?
- Carbon monoxide levels for old bikes need to be under 3.5%
- Hydrocarbon emissions need to be less than 2000 ppm
Why Carry the PUC Certificate While Driving?
You should carry a valid PUC certificate while riding your bike because-
- It protects you from fines in case of inspections
- It is proof of your compliance with environmental regulations
- Having the certificate minimises the chances of legal issues while driving
FAQs
- Is a PUC certificate mandatory for EVs (electric vehicles)?
No, you do not need a PUC certificate for driving electric bikes.
- Can I get a PUC certificate from any testing centre?
No, RTO-approved centres are the only place from where you should get a valid PUC certificate.
Conclusion
As a law-abiding citizen of this country, you should take your vehicle to an emission testing centre and get a PUC certificate before it expires. If the emission levels of your vehicle are found to be higher than the permissible limit, you should get it checked with a mechanic. It’s important to get your vehicle serviced at regular intervals to keep its emission levels within the limits. Your two-wheeler insurance will cover the cost of any repairs if needed. By following these simple rules, you can do your part in making roads safer and protecting the environment.