Do you know how to apply for a PUC online? Pollution under control certificate is issued to the vehicle for signifying the respective vehicle has emissions under the limit. So it is necessary for vehicle owner to apply for PUC and obtain it. This blog explains how to apply for online PUC along with the cost, the validity, the benefits and some frequently asked questions about its process.
PUC Online
According to the Central Motor Vehicles Rule 1989, the Government of India has mandated the PUC certificate (Pollution Under Control). A PUC (Pollution Under Control) Certificate or a vehicle pollution certificate is a legal document issued by authorized pollution testing centres. The PUC centres issue this certificate after testing the emissions of your vehicle. The issuance of an emission test certificate involves a thorough examination of the vehicle’s exhaust gas, and the test results are mentioned in the vehicle’s pollution certificate.
The PUC centres ensure that emissions are within the Government-specified acceptable norms.
A Pollution Under Control Certificate contains the following information:-
- 1. PUC Certificate serial number
- 2. Vehicle’s RC number
- 3. The date of the last emission certificate test
- 4. Validity of the PUC
- 5. Emission test readings
Benefits of online PUC
- The fine for not obtaining a PUC Certificate is Rs. 1,000 for the first-time offenders. A repeat offender has to pay a fine of Rs. 2,000. Note that the fines vary from one state to another.
- As per the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, the PUC certificate is compulsory document for you to drive a vehicle legally in India. You can be fined if you fail to give the PUC Certificate during a general inspection.
- When purchasing your vehicle’s insurance, one of the most vital documents required for the procedure is the PUC Certificate.
Permissible levels of Emissions for PUC
The details regarding the PUC norms (permissible levels) for old vehicles, including cars, bikes and three-wheelers is given below:-
Type of old vehicle |
Carbon Monoxide (in percent) |
Hydrocarbon (in PPM) |
| BS2 4-wheelers (Petrol) | 3 % | 1,500 |
| BS3 4-wheelers (Petrol) | 0.5 % | 750 |
| 2/4-stroke two/3-wheelers manufactured on or before March 31, 2000 | 4.5 % | 9,000 |
| 2-stroke two/three-wheelers manufactured after March 31, 2000 | 3.5 % | 6,000 |
| 4-stroke 2/3-wheelers manufactured after March 31, 2000 | 3.5 % | 4,500 |
The details regarding the PUC norms (permissible levels) for new vehicles like cars, bikes and three-wheelers is given below:-
Type of car |
Carbon Monoxide (in percent) |
Hydrocarbon (in PPM) |
| BS6 and BS4 4-wheelers (CNG/LPG) | 0.3 % | 200 |
| BS6 and BS4 4-wheelers (Petrol) | 0.3 % | 200 |
| Type of bike | Carbon Monoxide (in percent) | Hydrocarbon (in PPM) |
| BS6 2-wheelers/3-wheelers (CNG/LPG) | 0.5 % | 500 |
| BS6 2-wheelers/3-wheelers (Petrol) | 0.5 % | 500 |
| Type of test for new diesel cars (naturally aspirated and turbo-charged) | Light Absorption Coefficient | Maximum Smoke Density (in Hartridge units) |
| BS4 diesel vehicles | 1.62 | 50 |
| Free acceleration test of pre-BS4 diesel vehicles | 2.45 | 65 |
How to apply for PUC online?
You can obtain PUC online by following the steps given below:-
- Click on the “PUC Certificate” tab.
- Type the vehicle registration number, chassis number (last five characters) and the Security code shown in the image.
- Click on the “PUC Details” button.
- Print/download the PUC certificate.
What is the emission test process to get an online PUC Certificate?
- The permissible emission levels for new and old vehicles keep changing on a regular basis as per the Indian Government’s directives to keep the pollution levels under check. ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) decides the directives related to examining vehicle exhaust emissions, limits and the revised regulations. The PUC norms and the certificate format remain the same all over India.
The steps mentioned below will explain the process involved in the vehicle emission test for issuing PUC Certificate. It is an easy process that takes only a few minutes.
- 1. Take your new/old vehicle to the emission-testing centre and position the vehicle as per the instructions stated by the emission-testing device operator.
- 2. The testing centre operator will insert a device inside the exhaust pipe of your vehicle.
- 3. Start your vehicle and rev the engine so the device can check the exhaust emissions.
- 4. The device will show the findings on the computer screen.
- 5. The operator will click a picture of your vehicle’s registration plate and give you a PUC certificate.
Validity of online PUC
The validity of online PUC is 1 year. After the expiry of PUC, you will have to take your old/new vehicle for an emission test. A new PUC certificate will be issued to you and it will be valid for 6 months. The PUC has to be renewed every 6 months.
Online PUC cost
Online PUC cost varies from Rs. 60 to Rs. 100. It depends upon the vehicle-type, type of fuel used and the state of India where you reside.
How to find RTO approved PUC Centres
You can find RTO-approved PUC centres online by following the steps given below:-
- Visit Welcome Transport Department (parivahan.gov.in).
- Click on the “PUC Centre List” tab from the top-menu bar.
- Choose the “State” and “Office” from the drop-down lists to view the list of RTO-approved PUC centres.
How to track the status of PUC online?
- Visit Welcome Transport Department (parivahan.gov.in) and click on the ‘Application Status’ section.
- Enter your application ID. Type the Captcha code.
- Click on “View Application Details” to view the status of your PUC application
FAQs
Q1. What is the grace period for PUC Certificate renewal?
The grace period for PUC certificate renewal is 7 days from the date of expiry of the certificate.
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