In Maharashtra, all car owners must obtain a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate to comply with environmental regulations. The PUC certificate ensures that your vehicle's emissions are within the permissible limits set by the government. A recent update revealed that Maharashtra has 3,686 authorised PUC centres, yet many vehicle owners face challenges obtaining PUC certificates. This blog will guide you on how to get a PUC certificate, locate authorised centres, and use tools like the ACKO app to track your PUC certificate’s expiry date in Maharashtra.
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What is a PUC Certificate?
A Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is legal proof that a vehicle meets the government’s emission standards. It verifies that the car’s carbon emissions are within permissible limits, helping to maintain cleaner air and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The PUC certificate is vital to the government’s efforts to protect the environment and improve air quality.
In India, PUC tests can only be conducted at authorised centres. The certificate is generally valid for six months, though the duration may vary depending on the type of vehicle. Regular PUC checks are mandatory for all vehicles, including autos, two-wheelers, cars, and commercial vehicles.
How to obtain a PUC Certificate for Your Vehicle in Maharashtra?
In Maharashtra, getting a Pollution Under Control (PUC) licence is easy; you can do it online or in person. Depending on the method you choose, follow the steps below in order.
1. How to Get a PUC Certificate Online
A. Through Parivahan Website
You can learn about testing sites in Maharashtra or check your PUC status on the official Parivahan PUC website.
Steps to Follow:
Click on the Parivahan PUC Portal.
Finding the "Other Products and Services" area is helpful.
For the PUC Certificate tab, click on it.
To determine your current PUC state, enter your vehicle's licence number, chassis number, and Captcha code.
Locate authorised PUC testing centres near your area.
Review the details of your latest emission test to determine if a retest is needed.
B. Through ACKO App
The ACKO App makes it easy to keep track of your PUC license online.
Steps to Use:
it is available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
To get an ACKO account, sign up or log in.
Navigate to the ‘PUC’ section within the app or website.
Enter your vehicle’s registration number to verify the current PUC status.
If renewal is required schedule an emission test 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
You can also obtain a PUC certificate by visiting an authorised testing centre in person.
Steps Involved:
Locate an authorised PUC centre using:
The Parivahan PUC website.
Local service directories or vehicle workshops.
Carry the necessary documents, including:
Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
Insurance papers
Driver’s licence (if required)
Complete the emission test using a gas analyser or smoke meter.
If your vehicle meets the emission standards, you will receive the PUC certificate immediately.
Pay the minimal testing fee, and ensure the certificate is valid for six months.
Both methods ensure compliance with vehicle pollution regulations in Maharashtra. Choose the one that suits you best!
Types of Emission Tests Conducted for Your Vehicle in Maharashtra
Maharashtra mandates several emission tests to ensure vehicles meet environmental standards, helping to reduce pollution and maintain cleaner air.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Test (All Vehicles): Measures how well the engine burns fuel and allows air intake, monitoring carbon monoxide levels. Keeping CO emissions within limits helps protect the environment and public health.
Idling CO Test (Petrol Vehicles): Evaluates carbon monoxide emissions while the engine is idling to ensure low emission levels even when the vehicle is stationary.
Soundness of CNG/LPG Test (Gas-Powered Vehicles): Detects leaks in CNG or LPG systems, preventing increased emissions and ensuring safety.
Hydrocarbon Test (All Vehicles): Checks for unburned fuel in exhaust fumes, ensuring efficient fuel combustion. High hydrocarbon levels indicate incomplete fuel burning, which contributes to pollution.
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Test (All Vehicles): Measures CO₂ emissions to assess the vehicle's environmental impact, particularly its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.
Smoke Density Test (Diesel and Commercial Vehicles): Monitors the density of black smoke emitted by diesel and heavy-duty vehicles, ensuring pollutants remain within legal limits and reducing air pollution.
Emission Test Procedure to Get PUC Certificate in Maharashtra
To obtain a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate in Maharashtra, you must pass an emission test to ensure your vehicle complies with the state’s environmental regulations.
The testing centre usually follows these steps:
Vehicle Inspection: Upon arrival at the testing centre, the vehicle will be inspected for any visible issues with the exhaust system and related components.
Emission Measurement: The operator inserts an exhaust probe into the vehicle’s engine to measure pollution levels. Emissions are tested at varying engine speeds (RPMs) to ensure accuracy.
Display of Results: The machine displays the emission readings once the test is complete. These are compared against the permissible pollution limits.
Issuance of PUC Certificate: If your vehicle meets the emission standards, a PUC certificate is issued. It includes details such as the test date, emission readings, and the certificate’s validity period (typically six months or one year).
PUC Certificate Renewal in Maharashtra
To comply with Maharashtra's emission standards, it’s essential to renew your Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate on time. Notifications will alert you if your certificate is nearing expiry or expired. Regular renewals prevent fines and contribute to environmental protection. Keep your vehicle roadworthy and eco-friendly by updating your PUC certificate promptly.
PUC Certificate Validity in Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is valid for one year from the issue date. After this period, vehicle owners must have their cars retested to ensure they still meet emission standards. Timely renewal helps maintain cleaner air and avoid penalties.
Importance of Maintaining a Valid PUC Certificate
In Maharashtra, keeping your Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate current is crucial for legal compliance and environmental protection. The certificate confirms that your vehicle meets emission standards, reduces air pollution, and contributes to cleaner, healthier air. Regularly monitoring and renewing your PUC certificate ensures your car adheres to the state's environmental regulations. By staying compliant, you play a part in reducing vehicle emissions and promoting a healthier environment for everyone.
Penalties for Driving Without a Valid PUC Certificate
Driving without a valid PUC certificate in Maharashtra can lead to fines, with additional charges if not paid within 60 days.
The penalty for not presenting a driver’s licence has decreased to INR 1,000, but fines for an expired PUC remain significant.
Keeping track of the PUC expiration date ensures legal compliance and contributes to environmental protection.
By staying on top of your vehicle’s PUC testing schedule, you avoid unnecessary penalties while contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most important question and their answer related to PUC Certificate in Maharashtra
Who Needs a PUC Certificate?
In India, all vehicle owners must have a valid PUC certificate, whether cars or bikes. This pollution licence allows you to drive or ride while adhering to environmental regulations legally.
Does a Bike Need a PUC Certificate?
Yes, a PUC certificate is mandatory for bikes in India to ensure compliance with regulatory pollution standards. Per the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, all riders must have a valid PUC certificate and bike insurance.
Do I Need a PUC in Maharashtra?
All vehicle owners in Maharashtra and across India must have a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC).
Does PUC Work Online?
PUC certificates can only be issued by authorised pollution testing centres and RTOs. While you can check the status of a certificate online, obtaining a new one requires visiting a testing centre.
How Long Do I Have to Update My PUC in Maharashtra?
In Maharashtra, you have seven days after your PUC certificate expires to renew it, avoiding penalties if done within this period.
What If My PUC Is Expired?
Once your PUC certificate expires, you must visit an authorised testing centre to get a new one. The new certificate is valid nationwide, including in Maharashtra.
