How to Renew PUC Certificate For Your Car and Bike

A Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is a mandatory legal requirement for all vehicle owners in the country. This rule exempts electric vehicle (EV) owners, as EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions. If you own a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine, obtaining a PUC certificate is essential to avoid fines (challans) from the authorities.

For new vehicles, the PUC certificate is valid for one year from the date of issuance. After this initial period, the certificate must be renewed every six months to ensure continuous compliance with emission standards. Vehicle owners can renew their PUC certificates by visiting any authorised PUC center located across the country.

Regular renewal of this certificate not only helps maintain air quality but also ensures that your vehicle is in good running condition and follows environmental norms.

Expired PUC certificate challan details

If you do not have a valid PUC certificate for your vehicle, you will face penalties. In Delhi, the fine for any vehicle without a valid PUC certificate can be up to INR 10,000 or six months of imprisonment, or both.

The challan amounts vary depending on the vehicle type and state. For example, in Bihar, two-wheeler riders without a valid PUC certificate will be fined INR 1,000 for the first violation and INR 1,500 for the second violation. Those driving three-wheelers will have to pay INR 1,500 for the first offence and INR 2,000 for the second.

Car owners will be fined INR 2,000 for a first-time offence and INR 3,000 for a second-time offence.

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Steps to Renew PUC Certificate From Authorised PUC Center

Getting a PUC certificate for your vehicle is a simple process. First, locate the nearest authorised PUC centre, which is generally situated near major fuel stations. Once you arrive, simply follow these steps to easily obtain the certificate for your vehicle:

1. Park your vehicle near the PUC centre and follow their instructions.

2. They will first insert a pipe with the sensor into your vehicle’s exhaust.

3. Next, you will be asked to start your vehicle and step on the gas so they can analyse the tailpipe emissions at various RPMs.

4. The system will display the pollution level readings on the computer screen.

5. A picture of your vehicle’s registration plate will be taken and they will generate the PUC certificate based on the collected data.

6. Finally, pay the required fees, collect your certificate and you’re free to drive/ride.

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PUC certificate renewal fee 

The cost of a pollution certificate for cars and bikes ranges from INR 80 to INR 140, depending on the type of vehicle and fuel. The price of a PUC certificate can also vary from one state to another.

In Delhi, the PUC certificate for two-wheelers costs INR 80, for four-wheelers it's INR 110, and diesel vehicle owners must pay INR 140. In addition to the renewal fee, you'll also need to pay state and central GST.

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FAQs

Can I renew my PUC certificate online?

If you're a bit lazy like me and thought you could get your PUC certificate online while lounging on the couch, we are afraid that's not possible. To perform the emission test, you need to take your vehicle to the nearest PUC centre. Only an authorised person can conduct the test and issue the certificate based on the findings. There's no other way around it.

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What documents are required for PUC renewal?

Renewing your PUC certificate is very simple. You only need your vehicle’s registration number and chassis number, which are on the registration certificate (RC).

What is the cost of renewing a PUC certificate?

The cost of renewing the PUC certificate varies depending on your vehicle and state. In Delhi, it will cost INR 80 for motorcycles, INR 110 for cars, and INR 140 for diesel car owners.

The cost of renewing a PUC certificate varies based on your vehicle and state. In Delhi, it costs INR 80 for motorcycles, INR 110 for cars, and INR 140 for diesel cars.