With the advent of digitization, purchasing anything from the comfort of your home has become simpler. If a vehicle’s pollution levels fall under the permitted emission guidelines, the government must issue it with a Pollution Under Control Certificate, or PUC certificate.
For more information about the vehicle pollution certificate and the procedure for acquiring the PUC Certificate for automobiles, continue reading this post.
What Is a PUC (Pollution Under Control) Certificate?
The PUC Certificate stands for “Pollution Under Control Certificate” (full form). In India, every owner of a car must have this paperwork. This document certifies that, as long as you adhere to environmental norms, you can ride or drive a car legally in India. In other words, it is a document of validation that certifies the vehicle’s emission levels are within the government-set limits.
Depending on the vehicle, this certificate ranges in price from Rs. 60 to Rs. 100 and is suitable for up to 6 months. You can take the exam to get a PUC certificate at any PUC center close to you. Making this procedure accessible online so that people may do it from the comfort of their homes has further simplified it.
Why Is PUC Certificate Important for Your Car?
According to the Motor Vehicles Act, possessing a PUC certificate is required, just as having proper auto insurance, a registration certificate, and a driver’s license are crucial.
Additionally, a PUCC is now a requirement for vehicle owners who want to purchase or renew car insurance coverage, per a directive by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority. If you intend to get a Tata AIG car insurance policy, we at Tata AIG always advise possessing valid PUC paperwork.
You could face charges by Section 190 (2) of the Motor Vehicle Act if your PUCC is invalid. A first-time violation of this rule will result in a fine of Rs. 1,000, while a subsequent violation will result in a fine of Rs. 2,000. To make sure that vehicle owners are more aware of environmental issues and help to reduce them, the PUCC was introduced as a significant document.
- You fulfill your insurance requirement – The Motor Vehicle Act makes possessing a PUCC a necessity, and failing to have one might make it difficult to renew your auto insurance.
- You can tell if your car is in good condition: The PUCC must be renewed every six months, so you will be aware of any issues with your vehicle. This is because poorly maintained vehicles produce more fumes than well-kept vehicles.
- You become a law-abiding citizen – With a Pollution Under Control Certificate, you become a responsible and law-abiding citizen because holding one is a legal requirement by the Government of India under the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988.
How To Get a PUC Certificate?
You can have your pollution levels measured online as an alternative if you prefer not to use the offline method.
Step 1: Visit the VAHAN portal’s official website.
Step 2: Click on “PUC Certificate” from the top menu bar.
Step 3: Enter information such as the chassis number (the final five characters of the vehicle’s registration number) and security code.
Step 4: Select “PUC Details” from the menu.
Step 5: The PUC Certificate details are shown on the next page. You have the option of printing or downloading the pollution certificate.
Offline Method
- Drive your car to a gas station, an emission testing facility, a certified auto emission testing facility with computer capability, or a fuel station anywhere in India.
- Use a device to count the emissions in your exhaust pipe.
- Pay the required amount.
- A PUC certificate and a test reading will be given to you.
What Does PUC Certificate Include?
If you don’t currently have one, you should make plans to get one soon. You already understand the significance of the PUCC, so knowing what information it contains will help you comprehend why this document is necessary and pertinent. Your PUC certificate includes the details listed below:
- The serial number on the certificate identifies the most recent test taken.
- The day of the PUC test.
- The PUC certificate’s expiration date and its validity.
- Your car’s registration number.
- The PUC test reading displays your car’s emissions in units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is the list of frequently asked questions related to car pollution certificates.
The vehicle pollution certificate renewal grace period is seven days from the expiration date.
The PUC Certificate is valid for new two-wheelers for a year. In most cases, the vehicle manufacturer issues it, and the vehicle dealer gives you the certificate.
Renewal of an expired vehicle pollution certificate is free of late fees. To renew the PUC Certificate, go to the closest emission test facility.
The vehicle registration number in the PUC Certificate cannot be updated. The certificate containing the vehicle registration number can only be issued by authorized PUC centers.