What is Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate?

About Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate:

• The PUC Certificate, often referred to as the pollution certificate, is a mandatory document for every vehicle owner in India. 
• This certificate states that you can legally ride/drive a vehicle in India with respect to meeting environmental standards.
• It is a validation document that states that the vehicle’s emission levels are within the permissible levels set by the government.
• All vehicles on Indian roads are required to possess a valid PUC certificate under the Central Motor Vehicles Rule 1989.
• Usually, a new vehicle is exempt from PUC in the first year. Following this, the vehicle has to undergo mandatory PUC tests at regular intervals to get a validity certificate. 
• A PUC certificate is usually valid for a year from the date of issue.
• Failure to produce a PUC certificate can invite a fine of up to Rs 10,000 or six months of imprisonment or both under the Motor Vehicle Act.
  • The vehicle owner may also be disqualified from holding their licence for three months. 
• If the vehicle is found to be emitting fumes beyond the prescribed limit, despite possessing a valid PUC certificate, the certificate will be cancelled. The vehicle owner will have to obtain a new PUC certificate within seven days.
• The PUC certificate rule is applicable to CNG-powered vehiclesin addition to petrol and diesel vehicles.
• How to get PUC certificate?
  • A PUC certificate can be obtained from a government-authorised emission test centre with a computerised facility.
  • The issuance of an emission test certificate involves a thorough examination of the vehicle’s exhaust gas, and the test results are mentioned in the PUC certificate.

Q1: What is the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988?

It is a comprehensive Act that has replaced the Motor Vehicle Act, 1939. It was implemented on 1st July 1989. The act covers all aspects of road transport vehicles, such as registration, licensing, regulation, claims, compensation in case of accident etc. The act regulates all cases related to Motor Accidents all over India. An person injured in a motor accident or legal representatives of a person deceased in a motor accident can apply for compensation under Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Source: SC revisits its own order: PUC not mandatory to renew car insurance