Pollution Under Control certificate is mandatory document for all vehicles in India. It confirms vehicle emissions remain within limits set by government. So, it is important for vehicle owners to get PUC certificate. You can apply for certificate online through Parivahan portal. In this blog, we explain how to apply for PUC certification online and how to check PUC status.
PUC Certificate
According to Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, Government of India has made Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate mandatory for all vehicles. PUC certificate is also called vehicle pollution certificate. It is legal document issued by authorized pollution testing centres.
The PUC centres ensure that emissions are within Government-specified acceptable norms.
A Pollution Under Control Certificate contains the following information:-
- PUC certificate serial number
- Vehicle RC number
- Date of last emission test
- PUC validity date
- Emission test readings
Benefits of online PUC
- Online PUC helps you avoid fines. Fine for not having PUC certificate is ₹1000 for first offence and ₹2000 for repeat offence. Fine amount may vary by state.
- As per the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, the PUC certificate is compulsory document for you to drive a vehicle legally in India. You will be fined if you fail to show PUC Certificate during general inspection.
- You cannot buy or renew insurance if you do not have valid PUC certificate
Permissible Emission Levels for Old Vehicles
PUC norms (permissible levels) for old vehicles, including cars, bikes and three-wheelers is given below:-
| Type of Vehicle | Carbon Monoxide Limit (%) | Hydrocarbon Limit (PPM) |
|---|---|---|
| BS2 4‑wheelers (Petrol) | 3.0 % | 1500 |
| BS3 4‑wheelers (Petrol) | 0.5 % | 750 |
| 2/4‑stroke two/three‑wheelers manufactured on or before 31 March 2000 | 4.5 % | 9000 |
| 2‑stroke two/three‑wheelers manufactured after 31 March 2000 | 3.5 % | 6000 |
| 4‑stroke two/three‑wheelers manufactured after 31 March 2000 | 3.5 % | 4500 |
PUC Norms for new Cars (Petrol/CNG/LPG)
PUC norms (permissible levels) for new vehicles like cars, bikes and three-wheelers is given below:-
| Type of Car | Carbon Monoxide Limit (%) | Hydrocarbon Limit (PPM) |
|---|---|---|
| BS6 & BS4 4‑wheelers (CNG/LPG) | 0.3 % | 200 |
| BS6 & BS4 4‑wheelers (Petrol) | 0.3 % | 200 |
PUC norms for new bikes & three wheelers
| Type of Vehicle | Carbon Monoxide Limit (%) | Hydrocarbon Limit (PPM) |
|---|---|---|
| BS6 2‑wheelers/3‑wheelers (CNG/LPG) | 0.5 % | 500 |
| BS6 2‑wheelers/3‑wheelers (Petrol) | 0.5 % | 500 |
PUC norms for new diesel cars
| Type of Test | Light Absorption Coefficient | Max Smoke Density (Hartridge Units) |
|---|---|---|
| BS4 diesel vehicles | 1.62 | 50 |
| Free acceleration test of pre‑BS4 diesel vehicles | 2.45 | 65 |
Note:
- BS6 vehicles have stricter emission norms compared to older BS standards.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Hydrocarbons (HC) are measured during emission tests for petrol/CNG/LPG vehicles.
- Diesel vehicles are tested for smoke density using the light absorption coefficient and Hartridge units.
How to apply for PUC online?
You can get PUC online by following the steps given below:-
- Visit Welcome Transport Department (parivahan.gov.in)
- 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.
Emission test process for PUC Certificate
Permissible emission levels for new and old vehicles change regularly as per directives of Indian Government to control pollution. ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) sets guidelines to check vehicle exhaust emissions, emission limits and revised regulations. Rules for PUC and design of PUC certificate are uniform in all parts of India. Vehicle emission test for PUC certificate is simple and takes only few minutes. Steps are as follows:
- Take vehicle to authorized emission testing centre and park vehicle as instructed by testing operator.
- Testing centre operator will insert device inside exhaust pipe of vehicle.
- Start vehicle and rev engine so device can measure exhaust emissions.
- Emission readings appear on computer screen.
- Operator will click picture of your vehicle’s registration plate and give you PUC certificate.
Validity of Online PUC
Online PUC is valid for 1 year. After expiry of PUC, you will have to take your old/new vehicle for emission test. New PUC certificate issued after test and it will be valid for 6 months. PUC renewal required every 6 months
Cost of Online PUC
Online PUC cost varies from Rs. 60 to Rs. 100. It depends upon the vehicle-type, type of fuel used and state of residence.
How to find RTO approved PUC centres
You can find RTO-approved PUC centres online by following the steps given below:-
- Visit Parivahan.gov.in.
- Click on “PUC Centre List” tab from top-menu bar.
- Choose “State” and “Office” from drop-down lists to view list of RTO-approved PUC centres.
How to track the status of PUC online
- Visit Parivahan.gov.in and click on ‘Application Status’ section.
- Enter application ID. Type Captcha code.
- Click on “View Application Details” to view status of PUC application
FAQs
Is online PUC possible?
PUC testing cannot be done fully online. You must take vehicle to authorized emission testing centre for emission test. After test, PUC details are uploaded online. You can check through Parivahan portal.
What is cost of PUC?
PUC cost varies from Rs. 60 to Rs. 100. Fee may vary based on vehicle type and state.
Is PUC available in DigiLocker?
Yes, PUC certificate is available on DigiLocker. After issuance, you can view it online and it is accepted as valid document.
What is 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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