Importance of PUC for your vehicle

While cars make our daily commute easier, they are also among India's major contributors to air pollution. Keeping this in mind, India's government has made the PUC certificate compulsory for all vehicles in India. The step also aligns with United Nations' goals for climate action. A PUC certificate is mandatory under the Central Motor Vehicle's Rule, 1989. Let’s delve deeper into the meaning and importance of a PUC certificate.

What is a PUC certificate?

PUC stands for 'Pollution Under Control.' The certificate states that emission from your vehicle is within the permissible limit as required under the Indian Motor Vehicle's Act, 1988. It is a compulsory requirement for all vehicle owners in India, alongside a valid driving license and a third-party car insurance policy.

A PUC certificate is provided after a thorough check of your vehicle for all pollution rules and directives. The contents of the certificate are as follows:

• Your vehicle's license number

• PUC certificate serial number

• Date of the test

• Emission test reading (units emission from your car)

• The expiry date of the certificate

Why is PUC certificate important?

Mandatory requirement

A PUC certificate is a compulsory legal requirement for all vehicles plying on the Indian road. If you're caught without one, you may be charged a fine. The penalty for first-time offenders is Rs. 1000, which increases to Rs. 2000 for subsequent offenders. In states, such as Delhi, the fine can be as high as Rs. 10,000 and may also face imprisonment for up to six months. The vehicle owners will also be disqualified from holding their driving licence for three months.

Reduces carbon footprint

As a conscientious citizen, it is your duty to ensure that your contribution to air pollution is minimal. A PUC certificate is a step in that direction. The test helps you monitor your vehicle's emission levels so you can take corrective actions to reduce your carbon footprint.

Improves vehicle maintenance

The PUC certificate should be renewed every six months. Your car needs to be in top shape to pass the assessment since a poorly maintained car causes a higher emission. This compels you to get your vehicle regularly serviced and corrected for any faults.

Required for insurance renewal

The circular issued by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in July 2018 has asked all insurers to renew vehicle insurance policy only if the vehicle owner provides a valid PUC certificate. Hence, it is mandatory to hold a valid PUC certificate. Without it, insurers may deny your request to buy car insurance or renew your car insurance policy.

How to get/renew your PUC certificate?

If you're purchasing a new car, the auto dealer will provide you with a PUC certificate valid for one year. After that, you will need to get it renewed every six months.

You can take your vehicle to any authorized petrol pump or PUC center for subsequent assessment. After taking the necessary tests, you will receive a valid certificate for a nominal fee.

You can also download your PUC certificate online by following the steps below:

1. Visit the Parivahan Sewa online portal for your state

2. Click on the PUC certificate button

3. Fill in your vehicle registration number and the last five characters of the chassis number

4. Your PUC certificate will be visible on the screen

5. Print the document or keep an online copy for future reference

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