What is a PUC Certificate?
A Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is a mandatory document for vehicles in Mizoram, ensuring compliance with the government-prescribed emission standards. It certifies that a vehicle’s exhaust emissions are within permissible limits, contributing to reducing air pollution. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to enhance air quality by regulating vehicular emissions.
In Mizoram, PUC tests are conducted at authorised centres, and the certificate is typically valid for six months. It is mandatory for all motorised vehicles, including two-wheelers, cars, and commercial vehicles. Regular emissions checks help maintain compliance with environmental norms and reduce pollution levels across the state.
How to Obtain a PUC Certificate for Your Vehicle in Mizoram
You can obtain a PUC certificate either online or offline. Here’s how:
1. How to Get a PUC Certificate Online
A. Through the Parivahan Website
The Parivahan portal allows you to check your PUC status and locate authorised centres.
Steps to Follow:
- Visit the Parivahan PUC Portal.
- Go to Other Products and Services.
- Go to “PUC Certificate” Tab.
- Check the status of your current PUC certificate by entering your registration number, vehicle chassis number, and Captcha code.
- Find authorised PUC testing centres in your area.
- Locate authorised testing centres in your area for renewal if required.
B. Through ACKO App
The ACKO app provides a digital platform to manage your PUC certificate.
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.
- Enter your vehicle’s registration number to check its PUC status.
- Schedule an emission test at an authorised centre through the app if renewal is required.
2. How to Get a PUC Certificate Offline
You can visit an authorised PUC centre in Mizoram to get your certificate.
Steps Involved:
- Locate an authorised PUC centre using:
- The Parivahan PUC website
- Local directories or service stations
- Bring the necessary documents, including:
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
- Insurance papers
- Driver’s licence (if required)
- Drive your vehicle to the PUC centre for an emission test.
- If your vehicle meets the emission standards, you will receive the PUC certificate immediately.
- Pay the nominal testing fee.
Types of Emission Tests Conducted for Your Vehicle in Mizoram
The following tests are crucial to ensure that vehicles in Mizoram comply with environmental regulations, contributing to cleaner air and reduced pollution:
- Carbon Monoxide Test: This test checks carbon monoxide emissions, helping to assess engine efficiency, air intake efficiency, and the quality of fuel combustion. It ensures that the vehicle operates optimally and adheres to emission control standards.
- Hydrocarbon Test: The hydrocarbon test measures the levels of unburnt fuel in exhaust gases, indicating whether the engine is burning fuel properly. It helps evaluate fuel combustion efficiency and the overall performance of the engine's combustion system.
- Carbon Dioxide Test: This test measures carbon dioxide emissions from a vehicle, providing insight into the vehicle's environmental impact. The results assess the vehicle's contribution to greenhouse gases and climate change.
- Smoke Density Test: The smoke density test measures the opacity or thickness of the black smoke emitted from a vehicle's exhaust. It helps evaluate the fuel combustion and checks for malfunctioning components that may lead to excessive emissions.
- Idling CO Test: The idling CO test assesses carbon monoxide emissions when the engine runs idly. It helps identify any inefficiencies in the combustion process when the vehicle is not under load, ensuring emissions stay within acceptable limits.
- Soundness of CNG/LPG Test: This test checks for leaks or damage in CNG or LPG systems that could increase emissions. It ensures the fuel system is intact, preventing hazardous gas leaks and ensuring the vehicle operates within pollution control standards.
Emission Test Procedure to Get PUC Certificate in Mizoram
In Mizoram, obtaining a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate involves passing an emission test, a necessary step to ensure your vehicle complies with environmental regulations.
At the testing centre, the following procedure is generally followed:
- 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, measuring the pollutants released from the exhaust. The vehicle’s engine will be tested at various RPMs (revolutions per minute) to check emissions at different speeds.
- Result Analysis: The test results will be analysed to determine if the vehicle meets the pollution control standards. If the emissions are within permissible limits, the car passes the test.
- Issuance of PUC Certificate: If the vehicle passes the test, a PUC certificate will be issued. The certificate will contain essential details, such as the test date, results, and the validity period (typically 6 months or 1 year).
PUC Certificate Renewal in Mizoram
In Mizoram, it is essential to renew your Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate on time to ensure your vehicle remains in compliance with emission standards. You will be notified about the renewal if your PUC certificate has expired or is nearing expiration. Timely renewal helps avoid penalties and supports environmental sustainability. Renew your PUC certificate promptly to ensure your vehicle remains roadworthy and eco-friendly.
PUC Certificate Validity in Mizoram
In Mizoram, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate for new vehicles is valid for one year from the date of issuance. After that, it must be renewed every six months, following the same regulations as in the rest of India. After this period, vehicle owners must get their vehicles re-tested to ensure continued compliance with emission standards. Regular renewal of the PUC certificate helps maintain environmental standards and avoids penalties for non-compliance.
Importance of Maintaining a Valid PUC Certificate
A valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is crucial for environmental responsibility and legal compliance. The PUC certificate confirms that your vehicle adheres to the prescribed emission standards, helping reduce air pollution and ensuring your vehicle remains roadworthy. To avoid fines and penalties, it’s essential to regularly check the expiration date and schedule the necessary emission test before it expires.
Penalties for Driving Without a Valid PUC Certificate
In Mizoram, driving without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate can result in a fine as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
- Penalty amount: The fine for the first offence is ₹1,000.
- Repeat offence: Higher penalties may apply for subsequent violations.
Following your vehicle’s PUC testing schedule can avoid unnecessary penalties and contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment in Mizoram.
Frequently Asked Questions
