All You Need to Know About PUC Validity for New Four-Wheelers

Whether it’s your first car or your fourth, understanding the importance of getting a PUC certificate is essential to doing your part for Mother Nature as a responsible motorist. Our blog will explain why you need PUC certificate validity for your new four-wheeler and how to get it. Read on to learn how to equip your vehicle to be both road-worthy and environment-friendly!

 

What is a PUC certificate?

A Pollution Under Control (PUC) is like getting a fitness check for your new car’s emission system. The Government of India has set emission standards for all vehicles, and ensuring your vehicle complies with them is legally mandatory. If your car’s exhaust emissions fall within these permissible limits, it has a reduced environmental impact. 

 

Obtaining a PUC certificate is a key part of the Indian Government’s initiatives to control pollution levels. The PUC certificate is a crucial document you must renew every six months after the first year of buying your car.

 

What is the importance of a PUC certificate?

When driving in your vehicle, you do not want it to emit harmful fumes and contribute to vehicular pollution on our roads. Not only do these fumes contribute to air pollution levels, but they directly harm the people on the road. Obtaining a PUC certificate is a way to check if your vehicle has any problems that lead to increased exhaust emissions while following environmental guidelines.

 

Getting a pollution certificate for your new car is when you set the benchmark for future emission checks. The PUC certificate is your commitment to maintaining a clean and green environment.

 

Just like you are advised to carry a copy of your driver’s license while driving, you should also have a copy of your PUC certificate. And just like you renew your driver’s license, you renew the PUC certificate by conducting an emission test.

 

What is the validity of a PUC certificate?

The validity of a PUC certificate for a new four-wheeler is different from that of older vehicles. New cars get a PUC certificate valid for one year from the date of issuance. Once this initial year ends, you must get a new PUC certificate every six months, regardless of your vehicle type. The PUC certificate will be issued if your vehicle’s exhaust emission levels comply with the norms set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

 

You can be penalised under the Motor Vehicles Act if you do not renew your PUC certificate within the specified time frame. The penalty will include a fine of up to ₹10,000 and imprisonment for up to three months or both*. Your driving license may also get suspended for three months. 

 

How to obtain a PUC certificate for your four-wheeler?

You can obtain a PUC certificate for your four-wheeler in just a few simple steps. Here is a breakdown of them:

• Step 1: Visit an RTO-approved emission testing centre. These centres are likely to be located at RTOs and petrol pumps. Standalone private centres can also be found; just ensure that they are government-approved.
   
• Step 2: Have your vehicle tested at the emission centre. The emission test involves a probe inserted into your vehicle’s exhaust to accurately measure the emission levels.
   
• Step 3: If your vehicle's emission levels fall within the permissible range, you will obtain a PUC certificate. This document includes the recorded emission levels from the test and details such as the registration number and testing date.

Tip: When going for an emission test, always carry your vehicle’s registration certificate (RC), driving license, and proof of identity, such as an Aadhaar card.

 

What are the components of a PUC certificate?

The following are the details found on a PUC certificate.

• Unique Certificate Identifier: Provides a unique certificate number for convenient access and verification.

• Car Information: This provides important information about the car, such as its engine number, chassis number, and registration number.

• Results of the Emission Test: Record the concentrations of pollutants, such as smoke density, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide, that were measured during the test.

• Information on the Testing Centre: Gives specifics about the approved testing facility that conducted the emission tests.

• Owner Details (if applicable): May include the name and address of the vehicle's registered owner.

• Validity Period: Indicates how long the certificate will be valid by providing the dates of issue and expiration.
   

What are the steps to get PUC certificate online and offline?

Online

Step 1: Visit the VAHAN portal on the Parivahan website.

Step 2: Next, select "PUC Certificate."

Step 3: Enter the verification code, the vehicle's registration number, and the last five digits of the chassis number.

Step 4: Select "PUC Details."

Step 5: Save or print your PUC certificate.

Offline

Step 1: Take your four-wheeled vehicle to the closest emission testing facility.

Step 2: By inserting the testing device into the vehicle's exhaust pipe, the testing facility operator will analyse the exhaust emission.

Step 3: The operator will create the PUC certificate using the emission readings.

Step 4: Obtain the pollution certificate by paying the necessary fees.
 

Where should I do emission tests for obtaining a PUC certificate?

In India, you can visit designated emission testing centres to obtain a PUC certificate. Here are where they could be located:

• RTO Offices
• Fuel stations
• Private testing centres

You can go to an emission testing centre that is most convenient for you, but just ensure it is government-approved to get a valid PUC certificate.

What are the types of emission tests to be conducted for your four-wheeler?

The inspection process measures a number of crucial emissions in order to issue a PUC certificate. These include the following.

1. Carbon Monoxide (CO): The incomplete burning of fuels containing carbon produces CO, an odourless and colourless gas. High CO emissions from vehicles can result in significant health risks and environmental issues.
    
2. Hydrocarbons (HC): HCs are organic substances that can cause smog and negatively impact the environment and human health. Fuel evaporation and incomplete combustion are the usual causes of HC emissions.
    
3. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Engines that use high-temperature combustion techniques may produce this class of gases. NOx emissions are a significant cause of air pollution and have been connected to both ecological harm and respiratory issues.
    
4. Non-Methane Hydrocarbons (NMHC): NMHC, a subset of hydrocarbons, is crucial for assessing precursor pollutants to smog. This measurement aids in a more precise understanding of how vehicle emissions affect air quality.
    
5. Evaporative Emissions (EVAP): These emissions occour when fuel vapours from the car's fuel system leak into the atmosphere. Particularly in cities, EVAP emissions must be controlled in order to lower total air pollution.

 

What are the consequences of not having a valid PUC certificate?

When you drive without a valid PUC certificate, there are legal and environmental consequences. They include:

• Fines and imprisonment: If you do not have a valid PUC certificate for your vehicle during routine checks, you can be fined up to ₹10,000*. The fine amount may vary from state to state within India. You may also face imprisonment for up to three months, and your driver’s license can be suspended.
   
• Vehicle seizure: In extreme cases, your vehicle may be seized by authorities if you have an invalid PUC certificate. To retrieve your vehicle, you will have to produce a valid PUC certificate and may have to pay a fine.
   
• Increased pollution: You must regularly check your vehicular exhaust emissions to determine if your car emits pollutants beyond permissible limits and harms the environment. If you do not do it routinely, you may never discover the problems in your vehicle that cause the higher emissions. 
   

Staying on top of your PUC certificate validity is crucial to avoid these problems!
 

Conclusion

Having a valid pollution certificate for your new four-wheeler means you are doing your duty towards a greener planet and being a responsible citizen. When you regularly test your vehicle’s exhaust emissions and ensure it complies with emission standards, you contribute to a cleaner world. 
 
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FAQs

1. What is a PUC certificate for a vehicle?

A Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is a legal document that records that your vehicle has met the emission standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This certificate ensures that your vehicle does not contribute excessively to air pollution.

 

2. How often should I renew my PUC certificate for a new car?

The validity of a PUC certificate for a new four-wheeler is one year from the date of issuance. Once this first year ends, you must get a new PUC certificate every six months, regardless of your vehicle type. 

 

3. Where can I get my car’s PUC certificate?

You can get a PUC certificate for your vehicle at government-approved emission testing centres, which include RTO offices, certain fuel stations, and private testing centres.

 

4. What happens when I don’t have a valid PUC certificate?

If you do not produce a valid PUC certificate during routine checks, you can face penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or both. In some cases, your vehicle may be seized. There is also a significant environmental impact and you may end up polluting the air with excess emissions.

 

5. How do I check the validity of my PUC certificate?

You can refer to your vehicle’s PUC certificate, which will mention the expiry date. You can also contact the testing centre where you got it from and provide your details to enquire.