How to Get a PUC Certificate for Your Bike?

What is a Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate?

The Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) is mandated for every vehicle owner in India. This certificate verifies that your vehicle meets the required environmental standards set by the government. In simpler terms, it is a certificate stating the vehicle's emission levels are as per the set standards.

Several authorised emission-testing centres are available nationwide to issue this PUC Certificate for your vehicle. To get this, your bike has to undergo an examination where its emission level will be checked.

How to Get a PUC Certificate in India?

You can acquire a PUC Certificate through two methods explained below:

1. Offline Method : By Visiting the Emission Test Centre 

   You can obtain a PUC Certificate offline by visiting authorised emission testing centres. Here are a few steps involved to get it offline:

   • Step 1: Take your two-wheeler to the nearest emission-testing centre in your locality.
   • Step 2: The operator of the testing centre will analyse the exhaust emissions by placing the testing device inside your two-wheeler's exhaust pipe.
   • Step 3: After analysing the emissions, the centre operator generates the PUC certificate using the emission readings.
   • Step 4: Finally, pay the applicable fees to collect the pollution certificate.

   Places to Obtain a PUC Certificate Offline

   You can obtain a PUC Certificate at various locations, including fuel stations with emission testing centres, authorised emission testing centres equipped with computerised testing equipment, and licensed standalone emission testing centres.

2. Online Method: Via the VAHAN or PARIVAHAN Sewa Portal 

   Through the VAHAN (Parivahan) portal, you can obtain the PUC Certificate of your bike online. It involves the following steps:

   • Step 1: Visit Parivahan's official website.
   • Step 2: Click on the ‘PUCC’ tab to redirect you to a page where you must click on the ‘PUC Certificate’ tab available on the top menu bar of the page.
   • Step 3: Enter your bike's registration and chassis numbers (enter the last five characters), and enter a security code in the image.
   • Step 4: Click on ‘PUC Details’.
   • Step 5: Print or download the PUCC for your bike.

What is the Emission Test Procedure to Get a PUCC?

The emission test procedure for issuing a PUC Certificate for your bike includes the following steps:

• Step 1: Ride your bike to the emission-testing centre and position your bike as instructed by the operator.
• Step 2: The operator will insert a device into the exhaust pipe of your motorcycle to analyse emissions.
• Step 3: Start your bike and rev the engine for analysing the exhaust emissions. 
• Step 4: You can read the emission readings on the computer screen.
• Step 5: The operator will generate the PUC certificate upon satisfactory results.
• Step 6: Pay the required fees and collect the pollution certificate.

Different Types of Tests for Vehicles and Their Emission Measurement

For Petrol Vehicles

The common tests for petrol vehicles include the carbon monoxide (CO) test, hydrocarbon (HC) test, and carbon dioxide (CO2) test.

For Diesel Vehicles

The Diesel vehicles undergo a Smoke Density Test and Idling CO Test.

For CNG Vehicles

CNG/LPG vehicles are subjected to CO Test, HC Test, and checks for the soundness of the CNG/LPG system.

Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate Charges

The charges for obtaining a PUC Certificate vary based on the type of vehicle and fuel. Typically, the cost ranges from ₹ 60 to ₹ 100. This price might differ from one state to another state.

How to Renew a PUC Certificate Online?

To renew your PUC certificate, you must visit the nearest emission-testing centre, as online renewal is impossible. Your bike has to undergo an emission test. The process is quite simple and you will get it within 1 day. 

What is the PUC Certificate Download Process?

To download the PUC certificate online, visit the VAHAN portal. Here are the steps you will follow to download it:

• Step 1: Go to the VAHAN portal (official website of PARIVAHAN Sewa). 
• Step 2: Navigate to the top menu bar and click on ‘PUC Certificate’. 
• Step 3: Enter vehicle details, such as registration number, last 5 characters of the chassis number, and security code. 
• Step 4: Now, click on the ‘PUC Details’ option. 
• Step 5: In the next step, you will be redirected to PUC for bike details. You can download or print it for your convenience. 

How to Find RTO-approved PUC Centres?

You can easily find RTO-approved PUC centres online through the Parivahan portal. Follow the below steps to find them:

• Step 1: Visit the official Parivahan website.
• Step 2: Click on the ‘PUCC’ tab, and it will redirect you to a page where you have to click on the ‘PUC Centre List’ tab available on the top menu bar of the page.
• Step 3: Choose ‘State and Office’ from the drop-down menu and find the list of the RTO-approved PUC testing centres available in your location.

Why PUC Certificate is Compulsory in India?

The PUC for bike is mandatory in India to ensure that all vehicles comply with pollution norms set by the government. As per the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, it is essential to drive legally on roads, and have a valid bike insurance renewal along with the PUC Certificate all the times. 

PUC Certificate Rules and Regulations in India

Below are the rules & regulations related to the PUC Certificate in India, and these are subject to changes:

• The permissible emission levels are determined under Rule 115 (2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
• These norms are subject to change based on government directives to control pollution levels.
• The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is the body that gives directives related to exhaust emissions, their limits, and any updated regulations.
• All the PUC Certificate-related norms and formats remain the same all over the country. However, the price or cost to issue a certificate might vary depending on the type of vehicle and fuel type.
• The testing centre has the right to reject the renewal application in case the vehicle fails the PUC test. Here the emission levels of the two-wheeler exceed the permissible one.
• The registration authority has the authority to suspend the Registration Certificate (RC) of your bike and other permits in case the vehicle is non-compliant with the pollution norms. However, the authority has to provide the reasons for suspensions in written to the vehicle owner.

Penalty or Challan for Not Having a PUC for Bike

Under Section 190 (2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, not having a valid PUC certificate for your bike can lead to hefty challans. For first-time offence, it is ₹ 1,000 and for repeated offences, it is ₹ 2,000. 

*Note: The challan or penalty may vary from state-to-state.

What is Included in the PUC Certificate?

In India, the Pollution Under Control Certificate contains the following contents:

• Serial Number: The PUC Certificate serial number refers to a unique number given to each certificate to track and identify it.
• Details of the Vehicle: The PUCC contains the vehicle's details, including registration number, make, model, etc.
• Date of the Emission Test: It contains the date on which the emission test was conducted, and the date on which PUCC was issued.
• Validity: Usually, the validity period ranges between 6 months-1 year, which is mentioned in the certificate.
• Emission Test Readings: The PUC Certificate contains the readings of the emission test factors, such as CO, HC, etc. These details help track and verify the authenticity of the certificate.

What is the Validity of the PUC Certificate for the Bike?

The validity of the Pollution Under Control Certificate varies for new and old two-wheelers. The certificate is valid for one year for new bikes, while for old bikes it is for six months.

What are the Permissible Levels for New Bikes?

Check out the table below to get a view of the permissible levels for new two-wheeler pollution certificates in India:

What are the Permissible Levels for Old Bikes?

Check out the table below to get a view of the permissible levels for old two-wheeler pollution certificates in India:

Carrying the PUC Certificate while Driving

It's mandatory to carry a copy of the PUC Certificate and valid third-party bike insurance policy while driving. Failure to produce the certificate during inspection can lead to penalties as per the Motor Vehicles Act.