In Delhi, obtaining a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is essential for every vehicle owner to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The PUC certificate verifies that your vehicle’s emissions are within the permissible limits set by the government. With approximately 966 emission testing centres across the city, including those at petrol stations, vehicle testing has never been more accessible. In this blog, we will explore the steps to get a PUC certificate, how to find authorised centres, and how to check the expiry date of your PUC certificate using ACKO in Delhi.
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What is a PUC Certificate?
A Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is a compulsory document issued to vehicles that adhere to the emission standards set by the government. It confirms that a vehicle’s exhaust emissions fall within permissible limits, reducing air pollution. This is part of the government's effort to enhance air quality by regulating vehicle emissions.
In India, PUC tests are conducted at authorised centres, with the certificate typically valid for six months. It is mandatory for all motor vehicles, including two-wheelers, cars, and commercial vehicles. Regular checks ensure that vehicles comply with environmental regulations and help minimise pollution.
How to Obtain a PUC Certificate for Your Vehicle in Delhi
It is straightforward to obtain a PUC certificate in Delhi. Vehicle owners can choose either an offline or online method. The step-by-step processes are described in the below sections.
1. How to Get a PUC Certificate Online
A. Through Parivahan Website
Follow these steps to obtain the PUC certificate for your vehicle via the Parivahan website.
● Steps to Follow:
Firstly, visit the Parivahan PUC Portal.
Navigate down to the Other Products and Services section.
3. Click on the “PUC Certificate” tab.
In this step, you can check the status of your current PUC certificate by entering your vehicle's registration number, Captcha code, and the last five characters of the chassis number.
Find authorised PUC testing centres near your location.
6. Check the details of the last emission test and determine if a renewal is needed.
B. Through ACKO App
For a more user-friendly experience, you can use the ACKO app. The steps are provided below.
● Steps to Follow:
Firstly, you need to download the ACKO app to your mobile phone (if you haven't already done so).
Download the ACKO app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Sign up or log in to your ACKO account.
Go to the 'PUC' section in the app or the website.
Enter your vehicle's registration number to check its current PUC status.
If a renewal is needed, schedule an emission test through the app at an authorised PUC centre.
Once the test is completed, access and save your digital PUC certificate.
2. How to Get a PUC Certificate Offline
Getting a PUC certificate offline by visiting an authorised testing centre is also easy.
● Steps to Follow:
Find a nearby authorised PUC centre using:
The Parivahan PUC website.
Local directories or service centres.
Keep the required documents ready. The list includes
Insurance papers
Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
Driver’s licence (if needed)
Drive your vehicle to the testing centre.
You must provide your vehicle’s registration number and other required details at this step.
The authorised PUC centre will perform an emission test to measure pollutants like nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons.
Pay the applicable fees, and once your vehicle passes the test, you will receive the PUC certificate.
Note: As both these methods comply with Delhi’s vehicle emission norms, you can choose any.
Types of Emission Tests Conducted for Your Vehicle in Delhi
Various emission tests are carried out to ensure your vehicles adhere to environmental standards and decrease air pollution. Their details are outlined below.
Mass Emission Tests: These tests determine the concentration of pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), and particulate matter (PM) released by your vehicles.
Cold Start Tests: They measure the emissions during your vehicle’s cold start, i.e., when the engine starts in a cold state.
Evaporative Emissions Tests: They determine how much fuel vapours escape your vehicle's fuel system.
Mileage Accumulation Tests: In these tests, your vehicle would be slid down on a chassis dynamometer to collect mileage and evaluate emissions over a longer period.
Climatic Vehicle Test Cell (CVTC) Tests: These tests are conducted in a controlled environment that simulates extreme temperatures and solar exposure. They assess the performance and emissions of your vehicle under various climatic conditions.
Fuel Consumption Tests: They measure your vehicle’s fuel efficiency by checking the fuel used during emission tests.
Real-World Driving Emissions (RDE) Tests: These involve driving your vehicle on public roads under different conditions to determine emissions in real-world situations.
Emission Test Procedure to Get PUC Certificate in Delhi
Obtaining a PUC certificate in Delhi mandates passing an emission test to make sure your vehicle adheres to environmental standards.
The steps involved in the emission test procedure are:
Vehicle Inspection: The vehicle will undergo a physical inspection to check the exhaust system and ensure it functions properly.
Emission Measurement: A specialised machine will conduct the emission test to measure the pollutants released from the exhaust. The vehicle’s engine will be run at different RPMs (revolutions per minute) to assess emission levels at various speeds.
Result Analysis: The test results will be analysed to determine if the vehicle meets pollution control standards. The vehicle will pass if the emissions are within permissible limits.
Issuance of PUC Certificate: If your vehicle passes the test, a PUC certificate will be issued, containing details such as the testing date, results, and validity period (usually 6 months or 1 year).
PUC Certificate Renewal in Delhi
In all states of India, including Delhi, all vehicles must have a valid PUC certificate. Driving without this certificate may result in penalties and fines. Additionally, the PUC certificate ensures that your vehicle’s emissions are within the permissible limits set by the Indian government. Regular renewal of the PUC certificate helps raise awareness about the importance of controlling vehicle emissions.
PUC Certificate Validity in Delhi
In Delhi, the validity of a PUC certificate depends on the vehicle type and its compliance with emission norms. For Bharat Stage IV (BS-IV) and Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) compliant vehicles, the certificate is valid for 12 months. For all other vehicles, the validity is limited to 3 months.
Importance of Maintaining a Valid PUC Certificate
Ensuring your vehicle has a valid PUC certificate is crucial for legal compliance and environmental responsibility. The certificate confirms that your vehicle meets the required emission standards, helping to reduce air pollution and ensuring it remains roadworthy. Maintaining a valid PUC certificate also plays a key role in minimising the release of harmful pollutants, thereby protecting public health and improving overall quality of life.
Penalties for Driving Without a Valid PUC Certificate
Diesel vehicles: A fine of ₹10,000 or higher if you drive your diesel vehicle without a valid PUC certificate.
Petrol vehicles: A fine of ₹10,000 or higher is levied if you don’t present a valid PUC certificate for your petrol vehicles.
First offence: A fine of ₹10,000 or higher is imposed if you drive without a valid certificate. Also, it involves potential suspension of your vehicle’s registration until you present a valid certificate.
Staying aware of the PUC testing schedule of your vehicle means that you stay away from unnecessary penalties. Thereby, it contributes to cleaner air as well as a healthier environment.
Frequently Asked Question
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to PUC Certificate in Delhi
Can you renew your PUC certificate online?
Yes, renewing your PUC online is simple. Follow the same initial steps when obtaining a new certificate, and select the "PUC Renewal" option on the Parivahan website. After entering your details, you can proceed with the payment and testing process.
Is renewing the PUC certificate before the expiry date allowed?
Yes, you can renew the PUC certificate before the expiry date. Since you will be penalised if you drive a vehicle with an expired PUC Certificate, renewing it before the expiry is recommended.
Are emission testing centres open every day of the week to issue my PUC certificate?
Yes, PUC centres are generally open every day of the week. However, confirming the operating hours with your nearest emission testing centre is advisable to ensure they are open when you plan to visit.
What should I do if I lose my PUC certificate?
If you lose your PUC certificate, you can easily retrieve it online by logging into the Parivahan portal. You can download or print a copy of the certificate.
Is the PUC test mandatory for all types of vehicles?
Yes, under the Motor Vehicles Act, it is mandatory for all types of vehicles—whether cars, two-wheelers, commercial vehicles, or electric vehicles—to undergo the PUC test.
What happens during a PUC test?
During a PUC test, a sensor is placed in your vehicle's exhaust pipe to measure the concentration of pollutants in the emissions. You will receive a PUC certificate if the emissions fall within the permissible limits.
