What is a PUC Certificate?
The Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is an official document issued to vehicle owners whose vehicles pass an emission test, ensuring compliance with pollution control norms set by the government. This certificate is essential for verifying that a vehicle's emissions are within permissible limits. It plays a crucial role in controlling vehicular pollution, promoting environmental sustainability, and safeguarding public health.
Maintaining a valid PUC certificate reflects a commitment to a greener environment and ensures adherence to legal requirements. Regular emissions checks help vehicle owners actively contribute to reducing pollution and fostering a healthier ecosystem.
How to Obtain a PUC Certificate for Your Vehicle in Kerala
Obtaining a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate in Kerala is a straightforward process, whether offline or online. Below are the steps for each:
1. How to Get a PUC Certificate Online
A. Through Parivahan Website
Finding an authorised PUC testing centre or checking your vehicle's PUC status is now simple through the official Parivahan PUC website.
● Steps to Follow:
- Open the Parivahan PUC Portal.
- Click on the PUCC tab under the “Other Products and Services” section.
- Click on the “PUC Certificate” tab.
- You can now check the status of your PUC certificate by entering your vehicle registration number, the last five characters of the chassis number, and the CAPTCHA code.
- Find authorised PUC testing centres close to your location.
- You can view the details of your last emission test and check whether a renewal is needed.
B. Through ACKO App
You can also check the status of your vehicle’s PUC certificate via the streamlined interface of the ACKO app. The steps are:
● 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.
- Go to the ‘PUC’ section within the app or website to access relevant services.
- Enter your vehicle’s registration number to check its current PUC status.
- Schedule an emission test through the app at an authorised PUC centre if renewal is needed.
- After completing the test, access and store your digital PUC certificate conveniently within the app.
2. How to Get a PUC Certificate Offline
You can visit an authorised testing centre to obtain your PUC certificate.
● Steps to Implement:
- Locate a Nearby Authorised PUC Centre:
Use one of the following methods to find a testing centre:- The Parivahan PUC website
- Local directories or vehicle service centres
- Prepare Necessary Documents:
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
- Insurance papers
- Driver’s licence (if required)
- Visit the PUC Centre: Drive your vehicle to the authorised PUC centre.
- Undergo the Emission Test: The test is conducted using a gas analyser or smoke meter to check your vehicle's emission levels.
- Receive the PUC Certificate: If your vehicle complies with the emission standards, the PUC certificate will be issued immediately.
- Pay the Testing Fee: Pay the nominal fee for the test and ensure that the certificate is valid for six months.
By following these steps, you can ensure compliance with Kerala’s vehicle emission norms. Choose the method that best suits your convenience!
Types of Emission Tests Conducted for Your Vehicle in Kerala
Undergoing the following tests is crucial to ensure that vehicles in Kerala adhere to environmental regulations.
- Smoke Meter Test (for Diesel Vehicles): This test checks how dark the smoke from diesel vehicles is. It ensures the smoke is within acceptable limits, as darker smoke means more pollution.
- Gas Analyser Test (for Petrol and CNG Vehicles): This test measures harmful gases like carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from petrol and CNG vehicles. It ensures that the emissions meet the required standards.
- Evaporative Emission Test (for All Vehicles): This test checks for fuel vapour leaks from the vehicle’s fuel system. It ensures harmful vapours are not released into the air.
- Idle Speed Test (for Petrol Vehicles): This test checks the emissions from petrol vehicles while idling (not moving). It ensures pollutants stay within safe limits.
- Exhaust Emission Test (for Two-Wheelers and Four-Wheelers): This test measures the gases coming from the exhaust of two-wheelers and four-wheelers. It ensures the emissions follow pollution control rules.
- Smoke Density Test (for Commercial Vehicles): This test checks how much smoke is released by heavy vehicles like trucks and buses. It ensures they stay within pollution limits to reduce air pollution.
Emission Test Procedure to Get PUC Certificate in Kerala
Obtaining a PUC certificate in Kerala involves passing an emission test, which ensures your vehicle complies with environmental standards.
At the testing centre, the following procedure is typically followed:
- Vehicle Inspection: The vehicle undergoes a physical check to ensure the exhaust system functions correctly.
- Emission Measurement: A specialised machine measures the pollutants emitted from the exhaust. The engine is tested at various RPMs (revolutions per minute) to evaluate emissions at different speeds.
- Result Analysis: The results are assessed to verify if the vehicle meets pollution control standards. The car passes the test if the emissions are within the permissible limits.
- Issuance of PUC Certificate: Upon passing the test, a PUC certificate is issued detailing the test date, results, and validity period, typically 6 months or 1 year.
PUC Certificate Renewal in Kerala
Keeping your vehicle’s emissions in check is essential for maintaining a healthy engine. Clogged filters, poor combustion, or faulty engine components could cause high emission levels. Regularly renewing your PUC certificate ensures issues are identified and resolved, helping your vehicle run smoothly. Additionally, a valid PUC certificate reduces harmful pollutants, protects public health and promotes awareness about the importance of controlling vehicle emissions.
PUC Certificate Validity in Kerala
The validity of a PUC certificate in Kerala is determined by the vehicle type and its emission standards:
For new vehicles adhering to BS-IV and above emission standards, the PUC certificate is valid for one year from the date of issuance. In contrast, older cars that follow pre-BS IV standards have a certificate validity of six months from the date of issuance.
Importance of Maintaining a Valid PUC Certificate
A valid PUC certificate shows that your vehicle's emissions are within the limits set by the Indian government. It helps identify if your car contributes to air pollution and makes it easier to take corrective actions. Fixing emission issues ensures your vehicle runs efficiently and lasts longer. In Kerala, not having a valid PUC certificate can result in heavy fines, so regular renewal helps you avoid these penalties.
Penalties for Driving Without a Valid PUC Certificate
In Kerala, the penalties for not having a valid PUC certificate are as follows:
- Diesel Vehicles: A fine of ₹1,000 or more for driving without a valid PUC certificate.
- Petrol Vehicles: A fine of ₹1,000 for failing to present a valid PUC certificate.
- First Offence: A fine of ₹2,000 or more, along with the potential suspension of the vehicle’s registration until a valid PUC certificate is provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
