Regardless of the type of vehicle you own, complying with environmental regulations has now become compulsory all over India. So, if you are in Uttar Pradesh or in other states, you should get a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. It validates that a specific vehicle’s emissions stay within the permitted limits as determined by the Indian government. According to the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, you should carry all essential documents about your vehicle, such as an RC certificate, car/bike insurance, PUC certificate, etc. The sections here in this blog highlight all the key steps involved in obtaining a PUC certificate. It also discusses the certificate’s importance, its validity, emission test procedures, and more relevant details.
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What is a PUC Certificate?
The PUC (Pollution Under Control Certificate) is a mandatory document for all vehicle owners in India. It stipulates that you can legally drive a vehicle in the country while fulfilling environmental standards. It serves as a validation document that confirms that the vehicle’s emissions levels don’t surpass the acceptable levels set by the government. The certificate gets issued after the PUC test operator thoroughly examines the vehicle’s exhaust gas and mentions the test results in the certificate. The procedure to obtain a PUC certificate is chiefly offline since you must physically take your vehicle to an authorised test centre. But you can still download this certificate after it gets tested for emissions.
How to Obtain a PUC Certificate for Your Vehicle in Uttar Pradesh
The steps are easy to follow whether you choose an offline or online method of obtaining a PUC certificate. These steps for getting your vehicle’s PUC certificate in Uttar Pradesh are explained here:
1. How to Get a PUC Certificate Online
A. Through Parivahan Website
From the official Parivahan website, you can effortlessly find an authorised PUC testing centre or your vehicle’s PUC status.
● Step-by-Step Guide:
Visit the Parivahan PUC Portal.
Under the “Other Products and Services” section, click on the PUCC tab.
Click on the “PUC Certificate” tab.
Here, you can quickly check your PUC certificate’s status; you just need to mention your registration number, the Chassis number (the last five characters), and the Captcha code.
Now click on PUC details, and you will be asked to select a state. So, from the drop-down list, select “Uttar Pradesh”.
In this step, you need to click the “Generate OTP” button and specify the OTP you get on your phone. Click on the “Show Details.”
Navigate to the “PUC certificate” section and select an RTO-approved testing centre from the drop-down list.
You now need to pay the fees (through debit card/credit card) as inquired to get the PUC certificate online.
Take your vehicle that has to be tested to your chosen PUC testing centre.
You will be given a PUC certificate, which will be mailed to you after the test.
B. Through ACKO App
The ACKO app allows you to check the status of your vehicle’s PUC certificate effortlessly. The corresponding steps are:
Download the ACKO app on your device if you already have it.
Log in to this app by entering your registered phone number.
Click on the PUC section and specify your vehicle number to determine its PUC status and validity.
Lastly, reach the chosen test centre to test your vehicle and pay the fees to get your certificate.
2. How to Get a PUC Certificate Offline
You can go to a valid testing centre to get this certificate offline.
Find an authorised PUC centre near your region. You can get help from local directories or go through the Parivahan website.
Carry your vehicle to the testing centre. Don’t forget to bring the necessary documents, i.e., your vehicle’s insurance papers, registration certificate, and driver’s license.
In this step, you need to mention your vehicle’s registration number.
The test operator at the centre will conduct an emission test to know the levels of pollutants.
After paying the fee, you can collect the certificate or download it from the website.
Note: If you have misplaced the certificate, you can simply download it online (ensure it is valid while downloading it).
Types of Emission Tests Conducted for Your Vehicle in Uttar Pradesh
Here are various tests a PUC test centre conducts for your vehicles in Uttar Pradesh.
For petrol vehicles:
Hydrocarbon (HC) test: It measured unburned fuels to check the complete combustion of fuel within the engine.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) test: It finds CO emissions to analyse for fuel combustion, air intake, and engine efficiency.
The carbon dioxide (CO2) test determines CO2 emissions to assess your vehicle's environmental impact.
For diesel vehicles:
Idling CO test: It measures CO emissions when the vehicle’s engine is idle to check combustion efficiency.
Smoke Density test measures black smoke discharged to check engine wear and tear and fuel combustion efficiency.
For LPG/CNG vehicles:
HC test: It checks complete fuel combustion.
CO test: It measures fuel combustion efficiency.
Sound of CNG/LPG system: It determines damage or leaks that can escalate emissions.
Emission Test Procedure to Get PUC Certificate in Uttar Pradesh
Passing an emission test to get a PUC certificate for your vehicle in Uttar Pradesh is imperative. At the testing centre, the following procedure is typically followed:
Reach the emission testing centre with your car.
Position that vehicle as instructed by the emission testing device operator.
The operator will place a device in the exhaust pipe.
Start your vehicle so that the test device can evaluate the exhaust emissions.
The device will now show the readings on the computer screen.
The test operator will capture a picture of your vehicle’s registration plate and generate the PUC certificate.
Pay the fees and then collect the pollution certificate.
PUC Certificate Renewal in Uttar Pradesh
Keeping the level of emissions from your car within a limit is necessary to ascertain the decent health of the vehicle's engine. If the emission levels surpass the standard limit, it can be because of factors like clogged filters, faulty engine components, and inefficient combustion. Timely renewing the PUC certificate will address such issues so your vehicle continues operating efficiently. Furthermore, regularly renewing the certificate spreads awareness about the benefits of controlling car emissions.
PUC Certificate Validity in Uttar Pradesh
The PUC validity is 1 year for new BS-IV and above vehicles, diesel three-wheelers, light motor vehicles (petrol, CNG, LPG, diesel), and medium and heavy vehicles. For older pre-BS IV vehicles and petrol, CNG, LPG three-wheelers, the validity is 6 months.
Importance of Maintaining a Valid PUC Certificate
Maintaining a valid PUC certificate makes it easy to check whether your vehicle significantly contributes to air pollution. If the vehicular emissions are higher, it becomes simple to implement the necessary corrective steps. Addressing underlying issues leading to high emissions results in vehicle efficiency and extends its lifespan. In Uttar Pradesh, the fine can be significant if you don’t maintain a valid PUC certificate timely. Regular renewal of the PUC certificate is imperative to promise compliance with emission norms and avoid penalties.
Penalties for Driving Without a Valid PUC Certificate
In Uttar Pradesh, if you drive without carrying a valid PUC, then it can include various penalties as outlined here:
A fine up to ₹1,000 can be imposed.
You may encounter imprisonment for up to three months.
There may be a suspension of your driving licence for one month.
Vehicle confiscation can result in older vehicles (i.e., diesel vehicles over 15 years old and petrol vehicles over 10 years old).
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 common question and their answer related to PUC Certificate in Uttar Pradesh
Why is it mandatory to get a PUC certificate in India?
In India, it is mandatory to get the PUC certificate to ascertain that the vehicle’s emission levels adhere to the pollution norms. Regardless of the fuel type and the type of vehicle, all vehicle owners must have a PUC certificate as per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988.
What’s the cost of obtaining a PUC certificate in India?
Generally, the cost of obtaining a PUC certificate ranges from ₹60 to ₹100 based on the type of fuel and the type of vehicle. Note that the price of this certificate can differ from one state to another.
Can you renew your PUC Certificate online?
The process of renewing your PUC certificate can’t be completed online fully. Your vehicle should undergo an emission test to renew this certificate. You should carry the car to a nearby emission testing centre.
How can I find RTO-approved PUC centres?
There are over 45,000 PUC centres in India, which makes it easier to find a PUC centre near you. From the Parivahan PUC online portal, you can conveniently find the RTO-approved PUC centres.
What are the key benefits of automation in PUC testing equipment?
The old manual testing system is now replaced by automatic testing equipment at valid PUC centres. This upgrade decreases human error and helps the test operator make a better decision. Moreover, the automated machines directly upload test readings to a centralised server for analysis.
Is it necessary to carry the PUC certificate while driving the vehicle?
Yes, you should carry either a hard copy or a soft copy of the PUC certificate while driving your vehicle. The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 mandates vehicle owners to get this certificate. Failing to carry the certificate can incur penalties and fines.
