Under the Central Motor Vehicles Act 1989, any vehicle can be operational on the roads of the country only if it has a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. To receive a PUC certificate, the vehicle has to pass the emission test. The emission test measures whether the vehicle’s emissions are in line with the legally permissible amount. After the vehicle passes the emission test, the PUC certificate is handed over to the owner of the vehicle. The PUC certificate is valid for a period of 1 year.
Information to be included in the PUC certificate
The information to be included in the PUC certificate of a vehicle is:
- The serial number of the certificate.
- The license plate number of the vehicle.
- The date on which the emission test of the vehicle took place.
- The emission readings in the test.
Why is the PUC certificate required?
For any two-wheeler to be fit to run on the road, the emission of the vehicle should be under control. Whether the emission is under the legally allowed amount or not, is determined by the emission test. If the emission of gases from the vehicle is not kept in check, it will cause damage to the environment. Thus in 1989, the central government decided to make the PUC certificate mandatory. For any new two-wheeler that is bought, a PUC certificate is required.
What is the procedure to obtain a PUC?
PUC is granted to only those two-wheelers that pass the emission test. Many petrol pumps have the available equipment and personnel that are trained to conduct an emission test. In addition to petrol pumps, many independent test centres also conduct emission tests for vehicles. In the emission test, the permitted amount of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide released per ppm is calculated and checked if it is within the legal amount.
How long is the PUC valid for?
The PUC certificate is valid for a period of one year from when it was first issued.
What is the criteria for two-wheelers to obtain a PUC certificate?
The criteria for two-wheelers to obtain a PUC certificate are as follows:
| Type of two wheeler | Percentage of CO | The hydrocarbon released parts per million |
| 2 and 3 wheelers (two or four stroke) which have been manufactured on or before 31 March, 2000 | 4.5 | 9000 |
| 2 and 3 wheelers (2 – stroke) manufactured after 31st March 2000 | 3.5 | 6000 |
| 2 and 3 wheelers (4 – stroke) manufactured after 31st March 2000 | 3.5 | 4500 |
The PUC certificate needs to be in possession of the driver of the vehicle at all times as this document can be asked to present by the traffic police at any time while the vehicle is on the road. Hence, it is important to ensure that the PUC certificate is not expired.
information credit : bankbazzar
