In Bihar, obtaining a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is crucial for every vehicle owner to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The PUC certificate confirms that your vehicle's emissions are within the permissible limits set by the government. With numerous emission testing centres across the state, including mobile testing units, getting your vehicle tested has become more convenient. In this blog, we will walk you through the steps to obtain a PUC certificate, how to find authorised testing centres, and how to check the expiry date of your PUC certificate using the Parivahan portal or ACKO in Bihar.
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What is a PUC Certificate?
A Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is mandatory for vehicles meeting government-set emission standards. It certifies that a vehicle's exhaust emissions are within permissible limits, helping to reduce air pollution. This certificate is part of the government’s initiative to improve air quality by regulating vehicle emissions.
In India, PUC tests are conducted at authorised centres, and the certificate is typically valid for six months. It is required for all motorised vehicles, including two-wheelers, cars, and commercial vehicles. Regular checks ensure vehicles comply with environmental norms and reduce pollution.
How to Obtain a PUC Certificate for Your Vehicle in Bihar
Obtaining a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate in Bihar is a simple process whether you prefer to go online or offline. Follow the steps below based on your preferred approach.
1. How to Get a PUC Certificate Online
A. Through Parivahan Website
You can use the official Parivahan PUC website to check your PUC status or locate a testing centre.
Steps to Follow:
Visit the Parivahan PUC Portal.
Go to the “Other Products and Services” section.
Click on the “PUC Certificate” tab.
Enter your vehicle's registration number, chassis number, and Captcha code to check your current PUC status.
Locate authorised PUC testing centres near your area.
View details of the last emission test and check if a renewal is required.
B. Through ACKO App
The ACKO app provides an easy-to-use interface for PUC management.
Steps to Use:
Download the ACKO app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Sign up or log in to your ACKO account.
Navigate to the ‘PUC’ section within the app.
Enter your vehicle’s registration number to check the current PUC status.
Schedule an emission test through the app if renewal is required at an authorised PUC centre.
Access and store your digital PUC certificate once the test is completed.
2. How to Get a PUC Certificate Offline
You can also obtain a PUC certificate by visiting an authorised testing centre in person.
Steps Involved:
Locate a nearby authorised PUC centre using:
The Parivahan PUC website.
Local directories or service centres.
Gather the necessary documents, including:
Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
Insurance papers
Driver’s licence (if required)
Drive your vehicle to the PUC centre.
Undergo the emission test, which uses a gas analyser or smoke meter.
If your vehicle meets the emission standards, you will receive the PUC certificate immediately.
Pay the nominal testing fee, and ensure the certificate is valid for six months.
Both methods ensure compliance with Bihar’s vehicle emission norms. Choose the approach that best fits your convenience.
Types of Emission Tests Conducted for Your Vehicle in Bihar
The type of emission test varies depending on the vehicle's type and fuel, including petrol, diesel, CNG, or LPG. All vehicles undergo the following tests:
Petrol Vehicles: The test checks carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) levels to evaluate combustion efficiency and ensure the engine operates cleanly.
Diesel Vehicles: This test measures the opacity of exhaust smoke, indicating the level of particulate matter being emitted and helping ensure the vehicle adheres to pollution control standards.
CNG/LPG Vehicles: Emission tests assess both hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions to ensure CNG/LPG vehicles comply with eco-friendly regulations and have minimal environmental impact.
Carbon Monoxide Test: This test checks CO emissions to monitor engine efficiency, air intake, and fuel combustion quality, ensuring the vehicle minimises harmful emissions.
Hydrocarbon Test: This test measures unburnt fuel emissions to check the engine's combustion process, helping reduce unnecessary pollution from incomplete fuel combustion.
Carbon Dioxide Test: Measures CO₂ emissions to analyze the vehicle's environmental impact, providing insight into its contribution to greenhouse gases and global warming.
Smoke Density Test: Measures the density of black smoke emitted by the vehicle, which is especially important for diesel engines, ensuring the vehicle complies with clean air standards.
Idling CO Test: Measures carbon monoxide emissions while the engine is idling, identifying inefficiencies and ensuring the vehicle minimizes harmful pollutants during stationary operation.
Soundness of CNG/LPG Test: Conducted to detect any leaks in the gas system, ensuring that excess emissions are avoided, and the vehicle remains safe and environmentally compliant.
Emission Test Procedure to Get PUC Certificate in Bihar
Obtaining a PUC certificate requires passing an emission test. The procedure is typically as follows:
Vehicle Inspection: The vehicle will undergo a physical inspection to check the exhaust system.
Emission Measurement: The emission test will be conducted using a specialized machine that measures pollutants released from the exhaust.
Result Analysis: The vehicle will pass the test if the emission levels are within permissible limits.
Issuance of PUC Certificate: Once the vehicle passes, a PUC certificate containing details such as the testing date, results, and validity period will be issued.
PUC Certificate Renewal in Bihar
In Bihar, it is important to renew your Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate on time to ensure compliance with emission standards. If your PUC certificate has expired or is close to expiring, the system will notify you about the renewal date. Regular renewal helps avoid penalties and reduces environmental pollution.
PUC Certificate Validity in Bihar
The validity of the PUC certificate differs for new and old vehicles. For new vehicles, the certificate is valid for one year, with subsequent renewals typically valid for six months. For older vehicles, the validity is six months. Always check the certificate for the next PUC testing date to ensure compliance with emission standards and avoid penalties.
Importance of Maintaining a Valid PUC Certificate
A valid PUC certificate is essential for environmental responsibility and legal compliance. The certificate verifies that your vehicle meets emission standards, helping reduce air pollution and ensuring your vehicle remains roadworthy.
Penalties for Driving Without a Valid PUC Certificate
Driving a vehicle without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate in Bihar incurs the following penalties based on vehicle type:
Two-wheelers: A fine of ₹1,000 will be imposed on two-wheelers caught without a valid PUC certificate, encouraging riders to comply with emission standards for cleaner air.
Three-wheelers: Three-wheelers without a valid PUC certificate face a fine of ₹1,500, ensuring that smaller commercial vehicles also adhere to pollution control regulations.
Light vehicles: Light vehicles found without a valid PUC certificate are fined ₹2,000, reinforcing the need for regular emission checks to reduce air pollution in urban areas.
Medium vehicles: A penalty of ₹3,000 is imposed on medium-sized vehicles without a valid PUC certificate, helping control the emission levels from vehicles that contribute significantly to pollution.
Heavy vehicles: Heavy vehicles without a valid PUC certificate are subject to a fine of ₹5,000, addressing the high environmental impact of large vehicles by enforcing strict emission standards.
By ensuring your vehicle's PUC certificate remains valid, you can avoid penalties while contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common question and their answer related to PUC Certificate in Bihar
What documents are required to apply for PUC?
To apply for PUC, you need:
Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
Valid Insurance papers
Driver’s licence (if required)
What if I lose my PUC certificate?
If you lose your PUC certificate, you can get a duplicate from an authorised PUC centre or download it from the VAHAN portal by entering your vehicle registration number, chassis number, and security code.
Can PUC be done at home?
PUC testing cannot be done at home. It must be done at an authorised PUC testing centre.
Is carrying a physical copy of the PUC certificate in Bihar is mandatory?
While carrying a physical copy of your PUC certificate is advisable, you can also store it digitally in apps like ACKO, which authorities accept if you need to present it during an inspection.
How do I extend my PUC?
To extend your PUC certificate, you must get your vehicle tested at an authorised PUC testing centre.
What is the penalty for driving with an expired PUC certificate?
The penalty for driving with an expired PUC certificate can include a fine of up to ₹10,000, imprisonment for up to three months, or suspension of your driving licence.
