Your Guide to Getting a PUC Certificate Online and Offline in India

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The daily hustle can lead us to overlook essential vehicle documents, but having these documents in order is crucial for avoiding penalties. Along with your Registration Certificate (RC), driving license, and car insurance papers, it is important that you have the Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. This mandatory document ensures your vehicle meets Indian exhaust emission standards. Did you know that every vehicle, from a new sports bike to a vintage car, requires a PUC certificate? In this detailed blog, we will walk you through the significance of a PUC certificate, the permitted emission levels for different types of vehicles, and a step-by-step guide to obtaining a car pollution certificate online. Check it out!

PUC certificate online and offline process

In this detailed blog, we will walk you through the significance of a PUC certificate, the permitted emission levels for different types of vehicles, and a step-by-step guide to obtaining a car pollution certificate online. Check it out!

What is a PUC (Pollution Under Control) Certificate?

A PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate is a crucial and mandatory document for every vehicle owner in India. The PUC is proof that your vehicle is compliant with the permissible emission limits that have been set by the government. Getting a PUC involves a test that your vehicle undergoes, much like a health checkup for your body. The PUC certificate not only checks if your vehicle is contributing to a cleaner and better environment but also if it is running smoothly.

Why is a PUC certificate mandatory in India?

In a developing country like India, the environmental impact of vehicles and the repercussions on air quality are a major concern. To encourage Indians to be more eco-friendly and curb emissions, the Indian government has made it mandatory for every vehicle to have a valid PUC certificate. Beyond the formality of the document, a PUC is also a crucial step towards understanding and mitigating your vehicle’s carbon footprint.

How Does Vehicle Pollution Affect Our Health and the Environment?

Harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons are released through vehicle emissions and cause harm to the environment. From smog to acid rain, these pollutants can have a significant impact on the environment if not kept under control. And it’s not just the environment that suffers. These pollutants cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and impact cognitive thinking in humans.

Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate Charges and Validity

Depending on the type of vehicle and the type of fuel it consumes, the charges for obtaining a PUC certificate vary. Normally, the cost ranges between ₹60 to ₹100 for cars and around ₹30 to ₹50 for two-wheelers. A PUC certificate is valid for six months, after which it has to be renewed. For new vehicles, the first PUC vehicle after purchase is valid for one year from the date of registration.

Pollution Certificate Permissible Limits

Pollution permissible limits are set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. These limits vary by fuel type and Bharat Stage norms. Different pollutants like Carbon Monoxide (CO), Hydrocarbons (HC), and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) have their permissible levels that your vehicle must not exceed during an emission test.

Pollution Certificate for New Cars (Permissible Levels)

BS Norm	Fuel Type	Vehicle Type	Carbon Monoxide (g/km)	Hydrocarbons (PPM)	Nitrogen Oxides (g/km)	Particulate Matter (g/km)
BS4	Petrol	Cars	1	200	0.08	0.025
BS6	Petrol	Cars	1	170	0.06	0.005
BS4	Diesel	Cars	0.5	-	0.1	0.025
BS6	Diesel	Cars	0.5	-	0.07	0.005
BS4	CNG/LPG	Cars	1	120	0.1	-

Pollution Certificate for New Bikes (Permissible Levels)

BS Norm	Fuel Type	Vehicle Type	Carbon Monoxide (g/km)	Hydrocarbons (PPM)	Nitrogen Oxides (g/km)	Particulate Matter (g/km)
BS4	Petrol	Bikes	1	150	0.1	-
BS6	Petrol	Bikes	1	120	0.07	0.005
BS4	CNG/LPG	Bikes	1	130	0.1	-
BS6	CNG/LPG	Bikes	1	110	0.07	0.005

Pollution Certificate for Diesel Vehicles (Permissible Levels)

Note: For diesel vehicles, pollution checks are based on smoke density, measured by the Light Absorption Coefficient (1/m) and Hartridge Smoke Units (HSU). Permissible limits differ based on Bharat Stage (BS) norms:

Test Type	BS Norms Manufactured Under	Light Absorption Coefficient (1/m)	Hartridge Smoke Units (HSU)
Free acceleration test for naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines	Pre-BS IV	2.45	65
Free acceleration test for naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines	BS-IV	1.62	50

Pollution Certificate for Old Vehicles (Cars, Bikes, and Three-Wheelers)

The emission control systems of older vehicles can become less effective and often have different emission standards compared to newer models. Older vehicles must meet specific emission standards based on their Bharat Stage norms.

BS Norm	Fuel Type	Vehicle Type	Carbon Monoxide (g/km)	Hydrocarbons (PPM)	Nitrogen Oxides (g/km)	Particulate Matter (g/km)
BS2	Petrol	Cars	2.2	500	0.15	-
BS3	Petrol	Cars	2.1	400	0.12	-
BS2	Petrol	Bikes	2	450	0.14	-
BS3	Petrol	Bikes	1.5	350	0.1	-
BS2	Diesel	Vehicles	Smoke Density (K)	≤ 2.45 m⁻¹	-	-
BS3	Diesel	Vehicles	Smoke Density (K)	≤ 2.45 m⁻¹	-	-
BS4	CNG/LPG	Vehicles	1	180	0.1	-
BS6	CNG/LPG	Vehicles	1	120	0.08	0.005

Penalties for driving without a valid PUC certificate

A PUC certificate is mandatory for all vehicle owners, and driving without it can result in you shelling out money for a hefty fine. The penalty for the first offence is ₹1000, and it doubles to ₹2000 for subsequent offences. Besides the fine, you also risk legal consequences and your vehicle getting seized.

Do I Need to Carry a Physical PUC Certificate While Driving?

As mandated by the Indian government, it is compulsory to have a physical copy of your PUC certificate while driving. This PUC certificate should be valid and not expired. Thanks to digital advancements, you can also access your vehicle’s PUC certificate on the DigiLocker app or mParivahan app and show it to authorities when required.

How to get a PUC certificate

How to get a PUC certificate offline?

Getting a PUC certificate offline is pretty straightforward. Visit your nearest RTO-approved emission testing centre. Some petrol bunks also have emission testing centres. The test involves the placement of a probe into your vehicle’s exhaust pipe to measure the emission levels. After the test, you will receive a printed PUC certificate immediately.

How to get a PUC certificate online? (Step-by-step guide)

1. Visit the Parivahan website. Under “Vehicle Related Services”, click on “Other Services”.

2. Scroll and click on “PUC Certificate.” Select the state in which your vehicle has been registered.

3. Provide the vehicle’s registration number, the last five characters of the chassis number, and your mobile number.

4. Click “Generate OTP,” enter the received OTP, and click “Show Details.”

5. Navigate to the section for PUC certificate and select an RTO-approved testing centre from the drop-down list.

6. Pay the charges applicable for getting the PUC certificate online using a credit or debit card.

7. Get your vehicle tested for emissions at the testing centre.

8. Once your vehicle has been tested, your PUC certificate will be given immediately or sent through mail.

Documents Required for Online PUC Application

All you will need to apply for a PUC certificate online is your vehicle’s Registration Certificate (RC) and your Aadhaar card for identity verification. Ensure that all the details across your documents match official records.

Can You Renew Your PUC Certificate Online?

Yes, it is possible and easy to renew PUC online, and the process is very similar to getting a new certificate. Simply follow the same initial procedures, such as obtaining a new certificate, and select “PUC Renewal” on the Parivahan website. Once you enter your details, you can proceed to the payment and testing.

PUC Certificate Validity and Renewal Schedule

A PUC is usually valid for six months, but if your emission levels are close to the permissible limits, your PUC might be valid for a shorter period. Always check the date of expiry on your PUC and renew it well before to avoid any penalties or legal risks.

PUC Certificate Fees and Online Payment Options

Depending on the vehicle type, the fees for a PUC certificate will vary. You can pay for your PUC certificate online through credit/debit cards, net banking, and UPI. Until you receive your certificate physically, it is a good idea to keep a digital copy.

Finding RTO-Approved PUC Testing Centers

You can check the list of RTO-approved PUC testing centres through the Parivahan website or the mParivahan app. Alternatively, you can visit your nearest RTO and enquire about the testing centres.

What Happens During a PUC Test?

The process of conducting a PUC test involves placing a sensor in your vehicle’s exhaust pipe to check your emissions for their levels of pollutants like carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. If the emissions fall within the permissible levels, you will receive a PUC certificate.

How to Download Your PUC Certificate?

After getting your vehicle tested, you can download your PUC from the Parivahan website. All you will have to do is enter your vehicle details, and you will have access to a digital copy of the PUC.

Wrapping Up

It is both a legal obligation towards your country and a moral obligation towards Mother Earth to obtain a PUC certificate for your vehicle. Ensuring that your vehicle’s emissions fall within the norms will help you play your part in reducing pollution and creating a better environment. We hope this guide has been useful for you in learning about obtaining a car pollution certificate online!