What is a PUC Certificate?
A PUC (Pollution Under Control Certificate) certificate is an official document confirming that a particular vehicle adheres to the pollution norms defined by the government. All vehicle owners in India must carry a valid PUC certificate while driving, according to the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988. Various emission testing centres across Assam can provide this certificate after accurately testing the emission levels.
Driving vehicles without carrying the certificate can lead to penalties, fines, and perhaps legal actions. Typically, the validity of such a certificate is 1 year from the date it was issued, but it can vary. To get thorough insights on ways to check the PUC status and download it, you can refer to the below sections.
How to Obtain a PUC Certificate for Your Vehicle in Assam
In Assam state, obtaining a PUC certificate offline or online is convenient, whichever mode you choose. The relevant steps are discussed here.
1. How to Get a PUC Certificate Online
A. Through Parivahan Website
Checking the status of your PUC certificate and finding nearby PUC test centres is now easy through the help of the official Parivahan PUC website. The corresponding steps are outlined below.
● Steps to Follow:
1. Open the Parivahan PUC Portal.
2. Find the “Other Products and Services” section below the webpage. Next, click on the “PUCC” tab.
3. Click on the “PUC Certificate” tab.
4. In this step, you can find the current PUC certificate status, for which you must mention your vehicle’s registration number, chassis number (the last five characters), and CAPTCHA code.
5. Choose “Assam” under the state drop-down menu.
6. Click on the “Generate OTP” button, and then you will be asked to enter the OTP you received on your phone. Click on “Show Details.”
7. Scroll down until you find the PUC certificate section. Choose an RTO-approved testing centre by clicking on the drop-down menu.
8. Pay the fees through a credit card or debit card.
9. Take your vehicle to the PUC testing centre, where the testing operator will test it.
10. After completing the test, you will receive the PUC certificate directly or via email.
B. Through ACKO App
From the user-friendly interface of the ACKO app, you can check relevant details regarding your PUC certificate and download it.
● Steps to Follow:
- Firstly, download the ACKO app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- If you don’t have this app downloaded, then first download it. But if you already have it, then sign up.
- Scroll down to the ‘check PUC’ section and click on it.
- Enter the registration number of your vehicle for which you want to check the PUC status.
- You can arrange an emission test schedule from the app if renewal is required.
- Download the digital PUC certificate after the test finishes.
2. How to Get a PUC Certificate Offline
Visiting an authorised PUC test centre lets you get a PUC certificate offline.
● Steps to Follow:
- Search and choose an authorised PUC centre near your residence. You can take the help of the Parivahan website or local directories to find it.
- Before proceeding with further steps, ensure you have all required documents, i.e., Vehicle Registration Certificate, driver’s license, and insurance papers.
- Take your vehicle to the chosen PUC test centre promptly, and then provide your vehicle’s registration number.
- The testing centre operator will examine the exhaust emission by placing the testing equipment inside your vehicle’s exhaust pipe.
- The test operator will prepare the PUC certificate based on the emission readings.
- Pay the fees and collect the PUC certificate once the test is completed.
Types of Emission Tests Conducted for Your Vehicle in Assam
Varied types of emission tests are performed in Assam state to ensure your vehicles meet environmental norms. Details of these types of tests are:
- Carbon monoxide test: It checks the level of carbon monoxide emissions to determine the effect of your vehicle on the environment. It also checks air intake efficiency, fuel combustion, and engine efficiency.
- Hydrocarbon test: It checks for unburned fuels and also assesses the combustion of fuel’s engine
- Carbon dioxide test: It finds out the carbon dioxide emissions to evaluate the vehicle’s impact on the environment
- Idling CO test: It measures the concentrations of carbon monoxide released into the environment during engine idling.
- Smoke density test: It measures the black smoke released from vehicles.
- Soundness of CNG/LPG Test: It detects any leaks that could increase emissions.
Emission Test Procedure to Get PUC Certificate in Assam
Passing an emission test is compulsory to get a PUC certificate. The underlying steps are:
- Visit a test emission centre/fuel station in your region. Make sure it is authorised to perform emission tests.
- Correctly position the vehicle as requested by the test officer.
- He will insert an exhaust pipe in your vehicle's exhaust system, and then you must start your vehicle.
- Subsequently, the test operator will read the emission standards and generate a PUC certificate.
PUC Certificate Renewal in Assam
All vehicles throughout India, including Assam, must have a valid PUC certificate. Note that driving your vehicle without this can result in drawbacks like penalties, fines, and legal actions in some cases. Hence, regularly renewing is vital to adhere to emission norms and avoid penalties. Timely renewing this certificate also means you contribute well to reducing air pollution and thus foster a greener environment. Furthermore, corresponding emission tests can demonstrate the health of vehicles' exhaust systems and engines. So, if the test fails, you can resolve it by taking appropriate steps and thus controlling the discharge of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
PUC Certificate Validity in Assam
In Assam, the validity of a PUC certificate relies on the vehicle type and emission norms. The PUC validity is 1 year for new BS-IV and above vehicles, diesel three-wheelers, light motor vehicles (petrol, CNG, LPG, diesel), and medium/heavy vehicles. At the same time, it is 6 months for older pre-BS IV vehicles and petrol, CNG, and LPG three-wheelers.
Importance of Maintaining a Valid PUC Certificate
In Assam and all Indian states, vehicle owners should drive only after carrying a valid PUC certificate. If they drive without it, they can face penalties, fines, or some legal actions in certain cases. Furthermore, maintaining this certificate is vital to contributing well to a greener environment, protecting people's lives, and enhancing air quality. So, renewing this certificate promptly suggests that your vehicle abides by environmental norms and contributes to a sustainable living approach.
Penalties for Driving Without a Valid PUC Certificate
- Driving without a valid PUC in Assam can result in fines of up to ₹1,000.
- In some cases, imprisonment for up to three months may apply.
- Your driving license may be suspended for one month.
- Older vehicles (e.g., diesel vehicles over 15 years and petrol vehicles over 10 years) may face confiscation.
Keeping up with your vehicle’s PUC testing schedule helps you avoid penalties and supports cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
