PUC Certificate - Pollution Certificate for Vehicles: Procedure, Download Online, Status and Cost

Published on 21 Jun, 2021, 5:24 AM IST

Updated on 5 Apr, 2024, 7:46 AM IST

Team Ackodrive

18 min read

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The rise in pollution levels across the globe has prompted countries to fix emission levels for motor vehicles. All cars and bikes registered in India must go through emission tests to adhere to the emission norms laid down by the authorities. It is therefore imperative that you get the Pollution Certificate or PUC Certificate for your vehicle. Failure to produce the emission test certificate could result in a fine by the concerned authorities. As a responsible citizen of the country, you need to get the pollution certificate for your vehicle. But, before you go ahead and get a pollution certificate for a bike or car, you need to know more about the environment-conscious certificate.

Vehicle Type	Carbon Mono-Oxide	HydroCarbon (PPM)
Four-Wheelers manufactured as per BSII (Bharat Stage 2) norms	3%	1500
Four-Wheelers manufactured as per BS III (Bharat Stage 3) norms	0.5%	750

Vehicle Type	Carbon Mono-Oxide	HydroCarbon (PPM)
Two- and Three-Wheelers manufactured on or before 31 March 2000 (Two/Four-stroke)	4.5%	9000
Two- and Three-Wheelers manufactured after 31 March 2000 (Two-stroke)	3.5%	6000
Two- and Three-Wheelers manufactured after 31 March 2000 (Four-stroke)	3.5%	4500

Vehicle Type	Carbon Mono-Oxide	HydroCarbon (PPM)
CNG/LPG Four-Wheelers manufactured as per BS-IV (Bharat Stage 4) norms	0.3%	200
Petrol Four-Wheelers manufactured as BS-IV (Bharat Stage 4) norms	0.3%	200

Type of Test		Maximum Smoke Density
	Light Absorption Coefficient (1/mètre)	Hartridge Units
Free acceleration test for the naturally aspirated engine and turbocharged engine for vehicles manufactured as per pre-BS IV norms.	2.45	65
Free acceleration test for the naturally aspirated engine and turbocharged engine for vehicles manufactured as per BS-IV norms.	1.62	50

Which vehicles require PUC Certification?

All vehicles which are powered by internal combustion engines (petrol/diesel/CNG/LPG) which are plying on Indian public roads require PUC certification.

Is a pollution certificate required for a new vehicle?

The new vehicle will be sold with a PUC Certificate which is valid for a period of 1-year. After the initial validity period, PUC certification is required every 6-months.

What is the cost of the emission test?

The fee ranges between Rs. 60 and Rs. 100 depending upon the type of vehicle as well as the fuel type.

How can I check my PUC Certificate?

The Centre has launched Parivahan, an online platform offering several transport-related services. Through the website, you can check the status of the PUC Certificate. For more details, read the above-mentioned steps to download the pollution certificate for your vehicle.

Is PUC Certificate valid across India?

Yes. The PUCC issued by the authorized PUC Centres is valid all over India.

What is the BS4 vehicle pollution certificate validity period?

All vehicles have to renew the PUC Certificate every 6-months. The government has fixed the PUC Certificate norms for BS4 vehicles. For more details, read the above-mentioned permissible emission levels for BS-IV vehicles.

Can we get a PUC Certificate online?

You need to take your vehicle to an emission testing centre to manually check the emission levels before a pollution certificate can be issued. However, once it is issued, you can download the PUCC from the Parivahan website. Check the above-mentioned steps to download the emission certificate.

What is the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1989?

Both Acts are legislation passed by the Parliament to regulate licencing of drivers, registration of vehicles, issuance of permits, traffic regulations, penalties, motor insurance, etc. To exercise the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the Indian government made the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1989.

What is the pollution certificate validity period for new bikes?

The vehicle manufacturer issues a pollution certificate for new bikes which is valid for a period of 1-year. Thereafter you need to renew the certificate every 6-months.

Where can you get a PUC Certificate?

You can get a PUCC for your vehicle from any of the authorised emission testing centres which are usually located in petrol pumps.

What are the PUC certificate charges for cars?

The fee depends upon the type of vehicle as well as the fuel type. The charge ranges from Rs. 60 to Rs. 100.

How do I get a valid PUC certificate for a 20-year vehicle if insurance and roadworthiness certificate is present?

Take your vehicle to the nearest PUC Centre to check the emission levels to get a PUC certificate.

After what period does a new car require a PUC Certificate in India?

After a period of 1 year, the vehicle has to be tested every 6 months.

What are the working days of PUC Centres?

Authorised PUC centres are open on all days; however, you need to confirm with the local centre about their working hours and days.

Is it possible for senior citizens to avail the services of an emission test for their vehicle at home?

Currently, the vehicle needs to be taken to the closest PUC centre to get it checked for emission levels and get the PUCC.

How to get a PUC Certificate for my vehicle which was issued from a different state?

The pollution certificate issued by the authorised emission testing centre is valid across the country and you need not get another certificate when you are in a different state.

What is the late fee to renew an expired PUC Certificate?

There is no late fee associated with the expired PUCC. You need to get your vehicle checked at an emission testing centre to get a new PUCC.

Can I get a PUC Certificate for a scooty registered in a different state?

Yes. You can get a pollution certificate for a scooty registered in a different state.

What is the validity of the PUCC obtained for BS-IV diesel private cars as per the MV Act, 1988 and what is the frequency of renewing the certificate?

The emission certificate or the PUCC is valid for 1 year in the case of a new vehicle and has to be renewed every 6-months from thereon. All BS-IV diesel private cars must renew the PUCC every 6-months.

Under which Ministry option is the PUC certificate available on DigiLocker app?

Currently, DigiLocker does not have the option to upload and store the PUCC.

How many months or years do we not require a PUC Certificate for a new two-wheeler in India?

The PUCC is valid for a period of 1-year for a new vehicle. However, after a year, you need to get the PUC certification every 6-months.

How to update the vehicle registration number on the PUC database to get a pollution certificate?

Presently, only authorised emission testing centres are allowed to issue pollution certificates for vehicles across the country.

Is there any exemption for heavy vehicles such as cranes from PUC certificates in India?

No. All vehicles in the country should have a PUC certification done to be able to use the vehicle in the country.

Is a PUC Certificate required for two-wheelers?

Yes. A two-wheeler such as bikes and scooters should get a PUC certificate, which needs to be renewed every 6-months.

I sold my vehicle two months ago but I am unable to find the PUC Certificate. What should I do?

You can get your vehicle’s PUC Certificate by visiting the Parivahan website to download an active pollution certificate. Check the above-mentioned steps to download the same.

What documents should not be kept in my vehicle?

With the government’s Parivahan website and mParivahan mobile app, you can upload and save vehicle documents such as Registration Certificate, insurance policy along with your Driving Licence. Hence, these are considered valid as per the IT Act 2000. However, there is no option for the PUC Certificate to be stored, which is the only document that you need to carry. Or, you can download the soft copy of the PUCC from the Parivahan website and use that as the document.

No need of PUC Certificate for Vehicle Insurance Claims: IRDA

– August 27, 2020

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA) has stated that there is no need for a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate for vehicle insurance claims. Previously, the Supreme Court of India had directed the insurance companies to renew the insurance only if the vehicle has a valid PUC certificate. IRDA has issued a clarification on the same due to some reports stating that PUC certificate is necessary for motor insurance claims. The insurance regulator has put an end to the confusion and has said that the PUC certificate is only required for insurance renewals but not for claims. IRDA has highlighted the fact that pollution clearance certificate is mandatory for all insurance applications and renewals, but not necessary for claims. The increasing pollution levels in the country has become a major concern and vehicular pollution has a major part in it. With strict rules and regulations, the government is trying to keep the pollution under check.

PUC Certificate a Must to Renew Vehicle Insurance

– August 24, 2020

Adhering to the Supreme Court of India, insurance companies must renew motor insurance only for vehicles with valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate in the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) has asked insurance providers to adhere to the Supreme Court ruling. With the ruling, insurers will ask for the vehicle valid PUCC before renewing the policy. In a circular, the insurance regulator said that the Central Pollution Control Board has brought attention to the status of compliance in the direction of the Supreme Court in the NCR. It added that the insurers must ensure they comply with the direction, especially in the NCR of Delhi. The Supreme Court of India, in July 2018, was concerned about the vehicular pollution in Delhi and directed insurance providers not to renew vehicle insurance if the PUCC is not produced by the vehicle owner.