A Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate is an official document that certifies that your vehicle's emissions are within the prescribed pollution control norms. It is mandatory for all vehicles plying on Indian roads as per the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The PUC certificate contains details of the vehicle and the emission readings, ensuring that your vehicle is not contributing excessively to air pollution.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining, checking, and maintaining a valid PUC certificate for your vehicle.
Table of Contents
Importance of PUC Certificate
Environmental Protection
Helps control air pollution by ensuring vehicles meet emission standards
Legal Requirement
Mandatory as per Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989
Vehicle Health
Indicates proper functioning of engine and emission systems
Avoid Penalties
Prevents fines and legal complications
Documentation
Required for insurance claims and vehicle transfers
Maintenance Alert
Helps identify when vehicle needs servicing
Legal Consequences of Not Having PUC
- Fine of ₹10,000 for first offense under Motor Vehicles Act
- ₹20,000 fine for subsequent offenses
- Possible vehicle impoundment in case of repeated violations
- Insurance claims may be rejected without valid PUC
- Vehicle transfer not possible without valid PUC certificate
- Increased pollution contributing to environmental damage
PUC Certificate Validity Period
Important Validity Information
- First PUC certificate is issued for 1 year for new vehicles
- Renewal frequency depends on vehicle age and type
- Certificate expires on the mentioned date, not for a fixed duration
- Always renew PUC before the expiry date
- Keep digital copy of PUC certificate on your phone
- Set reminders for PUC renewal to avoid penalties
Vehicle Emission Standards
BS6 Emission Norms (Current Standard)
Petrol Vehicles
Carbon Monoxide (CO): 1.0 g/km
Hydrocarbons (HC): 0.10 g/km
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): 0.06 g/km
Particulate Matter (PM): 0.0045 g/km (for direct injection engines)
Diesel Vehicles
Carbon Monoxide (CO): 0.50 g/km
Hydrocarbons + NOx (HC+NOx): 0.17 g/km
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): 0.08 g/km
Particulate Matter (PM): 0.0045 g/km
Two-Wheelers
Carbon Monoxide (CO): 1.0 g/km
Hydrocarbons (HC): 0.10 g/km
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): 0.06 g/km
Understanding Your PUC Certificate Readings
- CO (Carbon Monoxide): Should be within prescribed limits
- HC (Hydrocarbons): Indicates unburnt fuel in exhaust
- CO2 (Carbon Dioxide): Normal byproduct of combustion
- O2 (Oxygen): Should be within acceptable range
- Lambda: Air-fuel ratio indicator (should be around 1)
- All readings must be within green zone to pass the test
PUC Testing Process
Visit Authorized PUC Center
Locate and visit a government-approved PUC testing center. These are available at petrol pumps, authorized workshops, and dedicated testing centers.
Provide Vehicle Details
Submit your vehicle registration certificate or provide vehicle details including registration number, chassis number, and engine number.
Emission Testing
The technician will insert a probe into your vehicle's exhaust pipe to measure emission levels while the engine is running.
Analysis of Results
The testing equipment analyzes the emissions and displays readings for various pollutants including CO, HC, and CO2.
Certificate Issuance
If emissions are within permissible limits, the PUC certificate is printed with all details and validity period.
Payment
Pay the prescribed fee for the PUC test and certificate issuance.
What to Do If Your Vehicle Fails the Test
- Get your vehicle serviced and tuned up
- Replace air filter and spark plugs if needed
- Check and clean fuel injectors or carburetor
- Ensure proper engine oil level and quality
- Check catalytic converter functionality
- Retest after necessary repairs
Online PUC Certificate Application
Apply for PUC Certificate Online
PUC Test Scheduled Successfully!
Your PUC test has been scheduled successfully. Please note your appointment details:
Appointment ID:
Testing Center:
Appointment Date:
You will receive confirmation details on your registered mobile number. Please carry your vehicle RC and previous PUC certificate (if any) to the testing center.
Application Failed
We couldn't schedule your PUC test at this time. Please check your details and try again, or contact customer support.
Benefits of Online PUC Application
- Convenient scheduling from home or office
- Choice of testing center and time slot
- Digital reminders for appointment
- Online payment options available
- Digital certificate delivery
- Reduced waiting time at testing centers
Offline PUC Testing Process
Locate PUC Center
Find a government-approved PUC testing center near you. These are commonly available at petrol pumps.
Carry Required Documents
Bring your vehicle's Registration Certificate (RC) and previous PUC certificate (if available).
Vehicle Testing
The technician will conduct the emission test by inserting a probe into your vehicle's exhaust.
Receive Results
Get immediate results showing whether your vehicle passes or fails the emission test.
Pay Testing Fee
Pay the prescribed fee at the counter (typically ₹50-₹100 depending on vehicle type).
Collect Certificate
Receive your PUC certificate with validity period and emission readings.
Tips for Offline PUC Testing
- Visit during non-peak hours to avoid long queues
- Ensure your vehicle engine is warmed up before testing
- Carry cash as some centers may not accept digital payments
- Keep your previous PUC certificate for reference
- Verify all details on the certificate before leaving
- Keep the certificate safely in your vehicle
Check PUC Certificate Status
Check Your PUC Certificate Status
PUC Certificate Status: Valid
Your PUC certificate is currently valid. Here are the details:
Certificate Number:
Valid Until:
Testing Center:
Download CertificateCertificate Not Found
We couldn't find a PUC certificate with the provided details. Please check your certificate number and vehicle registration number, or visit a testing center for a new test.
Online Status Check
Check your PUC status through the Parivahan website using your certificate number.
Check Status OnlineSMS Service
Send SMS with your vehicle number to check PUC status.
Send to: 7738299899
Download PUC Certificate
Download Your Digital PUC Certificate
You can download your PUC certificate through various official platforms. Digital PUC is legally valid and accepted nationwide.
Download via mParivahan App
Install mParivahan app, register with your mobile number, and access your digital PUC in the documents section.
Download via Parivahan Portal
Visit Parivahan website, enter vehicle details, and download digital PUC after verification.
Request at Testing Center
Ask the testing center to email or SMS the digital certificate after testing.
Benefits of Digital PUC Certificate
- Cannot be lost or damaged
- Easy to share when required
- Environmentally friendly
- Instant access through mobile phone
- Accepted by traffic police nationwide
- Automatic renewal reminders
Fines & Penalties for Invalid PUC
Recent Updates in PUC Penalties
- Penalties increased under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019
- Traffic police now have automated systems to detect expired PUC
- E-challans are automatically generated for PUC violations
- Insurance companies may reject claims without valid PUC
- Vehicle fitness certificate may be cancelled for repeated violations
- Commercial vehicles can lose their permits for PUC violations
Frequently Asked Questions
General PUC Questions
Yes, PUC certificate is mandatory for all vehicles plying on Indian roads, except for electric vehicles which have zero emissions.
For new vehicles, the first PUC is valid for 1 year. For older vehicles, it's typically valid for 6 months. Commercial vehicles usually require testing every 6 months.
Electric vehicles do not require PUC certificates as they have zero emissions. However, you should carry your vehicle registration documents.
You can download a digital copy from the Parivahan portal or mParivahan app. Alternatively, visit any authorized PUC center to get a duplicate certificate.
Testing & Compliance Questions
If your vehicle fails, you'll need to get it repaired and retested. The testing center will provide a failure report indicating which emissions are超标.
No, PUC certificate is vehicle-specific but not transferable. The new owner must obtain a fresh PUC certificate after the transfer of ownership.
No, emission standards are uniform across India as per BS6 norms. However, some cities may have additional pollution control requirements.
Regular servicing, proper tire pressure, timely filter changes, using good quality fuel, and avoiding overloading can help reduce emissions.
Parivahan Helpline
If you face any problem in driving license, document update, vehicle details check and pay your vehicle challan, you can contact using below details –
| Problem | Email ID | Contact Number | Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Registration, Fitness, Tax, Permit, Dealer | helpdesk-vahan[at]gov[dot]in | +91-120-4925505 | 06:00 AM - 12:00 Midnight |
| Learner License, Driving License | helpdesk-sarathi[at]gov[dot]in | N/A | N/A |
| mParivahan Services | helpdesk-mparivahan[at]gov[dot]in | N/A | N/A |
| eChallan Services | helpdesk-echallan[at]gov[dot]in | N/A | N/A |