In Himachal Pradesh, all car owners must have a Pollution Under Control (PUC) license to follow environmental rules. This licence ensures that your car's pollution stays within the limits set by the government. This helps keep the air cleaner. Even though the state is hilly, getting a PUC license is easy because there are 45 approved emission testing centres in key spots. This blog post will show you how to get a PUC certificate quickly, find approved centres, and check the date your certificate expires online using ACKO in Himachal Pradesh.
Contents
What is a PUC Certificate?
Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates are recognised evidence that a car meets the government's emission guidelines. To help clean up the air and protect the environment, it ensures that the vehicle's carbon fumes are within the allowed limits. The PUC test is only given in India at approved locations, and the certificate is generally good for six months.
Motorised vehicles, such as two-wheelers, cars, and business vehicles, must have it. For cleaner air, cars that get regular PUC checks ensure they meet environmental standards and reduce dangerous emissions. It is possible to get fined or punished for not following the rules. In Himachal Pradesh, getting a Pollution Under Control (PUC) licence is easy, whether online or in person. Based on the way you choose, follow the steps below.
How to Obtain a PUC Certificate for Your Vehicle in Himachal Pradesh?
Ensure the licence is suitable for six months after paying the test fee. Obtaining a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate in Himachal is easy online or offline. Follow the precise procedures below for your selected method.
1. How to Get a PUC Certificate Online
A. Through Parivahan Website
The official Parivahan VAHAN platform makes it easier to get or check the progress of your PUC certificate.
Steps to Follow:
Go to the Parivahan PUC Portal.
Click on Other Products and Services.
Click on the tab that says "PUC Certificate."
Type in your vehicle's VIN, model number (last five characters), and proof code.
Click on "PUC Details" to see what your PUC state is right now.
If you need to, you can print or copy the pollution document.
B. With the ACKO app
The ACKO app makes it easy to handle your PUC license so that your digital life runs smoothly.
Steps to Use:
You can get the ACKO app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
Create an ACKO account or sign in to an existing one.
Open the app and go to the "PUC" area.
4. Enter your car's registration number to see the present PUC state.
5. If you need to update your licence, you can use the app to set up an emission test at a licenced PUC testing centre.
6. After passing the test, you can get and save your digital PUC certificate.
2. How to Get a PUC Certificate Offline
You can also get a PUC license by visiting an authorised emission testing centre.
Steps Involved:
Use these steps to find a nearby authorised PUC centre:
The Parivahan PUC portal.
Local service stations or directories.
Gather the papers you need, such as:
Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC).
Insurance documents.
Driving licence (if necessary).
Get in your car and drive to the PUC centre.
A gas analyser or smoke meter will be used for the pollution test.
If the car meets the emission standards you'll get the PUC certificate.
Ensure the licence is good for six months after paying the test fee.
Following Himachal Pradesh's rules for car emissions is possible in two ways. You can pick the way that works best for you!
Types of Emission Tests Conducted for Your Vehicle in Himachal Pradesh
To make sure that cars in Himachal Pradesh meet environmental standards and help clean up the air and lower smog, the following emission tests are necessary:
Carbon Monoxide Test: This test checks how much carbon monoxide the car puts out while also checking how well the engine works, how well air enters the engine, and how well the fuel burns. Keeping CO amounts in check will lead to less smog.
Hydrocarbon Test: This test checks how well the engine burns fuel by measuring fumes from unburned fuel. It helps ensure the burning process works well, lowering the amount of dangerous fumes.
Carbon Dioxide Test: This test checks how much carbon dioxide the vehicle releases into the air to see how harmful it is to the environment. This test is essential for sustainability because higher CO2 levels mean more pollution.
Smoke Density Test: This test measures how dense the black smoke is that cars, especially diesel cars, put out. It aids in keeping cars within the allowed pollution levels and lowers air pollution.
Idling CO Test: This test checks the amount of carbon monoxide released when the engine is not running. This ensures that the emissions levels stay within the legal limits even when the car is not moving.
Soundness of CNG/LPG Test: This test looks for leaks in CNG or LPG fuel systems, which can lead to more pollution. Ensuring these systems don't leak helps lessen their damage to the earth.
Emission Test Procedure to Get a PUC Certificate in Himachal Pradesh
To get a Pollution Under Control (PUC) license in Himachal Pradesh, you must pass a pollution test on your car to ensure it meets environmental standards. Here is a list of steps that will help you do it:
Find an Emission Test Station: You must first look for an emission test station nearby. You can seek help online or at the nearest regional transport office (RTO).
Measurement of Emissions: Special tools will check how much pollution comes from the fumes. The numbers will show up on the machine.
Setting Up the Vehicle: When you get to the test centre, follow the operator's orders and put your car in the testing area.
Result Analysis and Issuance of PUC Certificate: If the emissions are within the allowed range, the operator will print out a PUC certificate after taking a picture of the readings. The certificate has information like the test date, the score, and how long it is suitable for, usually 6 months or a year.
PUC Certificate Renewal in Himachal Pradesh
To ensure your car meets emission standards in Himachal Pradesh, you must update your Pollution Under Control (PUC) license on time. A reminder message will appear on your screen if your PUC certificate is about to end or has already passed. Updating your licence regularly is essential to avoid fees and help clean up the air. Ensure you update your license plates on time to keep your car legal and good for the environment.
PUC Certificate Validity in Himachal Pradesh
When issued, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) license in Himachal Pradesh is suitable for one year. After this time, owners must get their cars tested again to make sure they are still meeting emission guidelines. By renewing the PUC license regularly, you can ensure that you follow environmental rules and avoid fines for not doing so.
Importance of Maintaining a Valid PUC Certificate
In Himachal Pradesh, you must keep your Pollution Under Control (PUC) licence up to date to protect the environment and follow the law. With the PUC certificate, you can be sure that your car meets the emission standards, which helps clean up the air and lower pollution. Ensuring your vehicle has an up-to-date PUC licence is another way to ensure it is safe to drive.
Penalties for Driving Without a Valid PUC Certificate
Petrol vehicles: A fee of ₹2000 for non-compliance with PUC regulations.
Diesel vehicles: A fee of ₹2000 for non-compliance.
Both petrol and diesel vehicles: A combined fee of ₹4000 for non-compliance.
By keeping your PUC certificate up to date and updating it regularly, you can avoid fees and help protect the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to PUC Certificate in Himachal Pradesh
Is an offline PUC valid in Himachal Pradesh?
Of course, offline PUC certificates from authorised sites and RTOs in Himachal Pradesh are still acceptable. Government-affiliated PUC sites are where you can get the license.
Can I complete my PUC process online in Himachal Pradesh?
In Himachal Pradesh, you can't get a new PUC certificate online. However, you can use the "Parivahan Seva" site to learn about your current certificate's state, validity, and expiration date.
How long can a PUC certificate be used after expiry in Himachal Pradesh?
If you live in Himachal Pradesh and your PUC license has expired, you have seven days to get a new one. There is a ₹1,000 fine for not doing this.
Who can ask for a PUC certificate in Himachal Pradesh?
In Himachal Pradesh, everyone owning a car must get a Pollution Under Control (PUC) license to show that the vehicle meets the emission guidelines. All cars and bikes have to do this.
What happens if I fail my first PUC exam in Himachal Pradesh?
In Himachal Pradesh, you must restart the year if you fail all your classes in your first PUC. On the other hand, you can take extra tests to improve your grades if you fail only a few courses.
Why is a PUC certificate necessary in Himachal Pradesh?
You need a PUC license in Himachal Pradesh to ensure your car meets emission guidelines. It helps clean the air, allowing the state to reach its environmental goals and backing up national climate change plans.
