What is a Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate?

About Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate:

• The PUC Certificate, often referred to as the pollution certificate, is a mandatory document for every vehicle owner in India. 
• This certificate states that you can legally ride/drive a vehicle in India with respect to meeting environmental standards.
• It is a validation document that states that the vehicle’s emission levels are within the permissible levels set by the government.
• All vehicles on Indian roads are required to possess a valid PUC certificate under the Central Motor Vehicles Rule 1989.
• Usually, a new vehicle is exempt from PUC in the first year. Following this, the vehicle has to undergo mandatory PUC tests at regular intervals to get a validity certificate. 
• A PUC certificate is usually valid for a year from the date of issue.  
• Failure to produce a PUC certificate can invite a fine of up to Rs 10,000 or six months of imprisonment or both under the Motor Vehicle Act.
  • The vehicle owner may also be disqualified from holding their licence for three months. 
• If the vehicle is found to be emitting fumes beyond the prescribed limit, despite possessing a valid PUC certificate, the certificate will be cancelled. The vehicle owner will have to obtain a new PUC certificate within seven days.
• The PUC certificate rule is applicable to CNG-powered vehicles in addition to petrol and diesel vehicles.
• How to get a PUC certificate?
  • A PUC certificate can be obtained from a government-authorised emission test centre with a computerised facility.
  • The issuance of an emission test certificate involves a thorough examination of the vehicle’s exhaust gas, and the test results are mentioned in the PUC certificate.