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PUC Certificate for Two-Wheelers: Meaning, Full Form, Validity & How to Get One

Imagine this: You are on your way to the office, and you get stopped by a traffic cop. Upon asking, you present essential documents: the license, insurance, and RC. But then comes the one document most riders often forget: the PUC Certificate. You end up paying a fine that could have been avoided.

The Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate is an essential document, yet it is often overlooked amid the focus on the licence, insurance, and related documents. If you are new to the rules of riding a two-wheeler in India, worry not. Let’s take one step at a time and start by understanding what is PUCC in bikes is, its validity, and how to get one.

What is a PUC Certificate?

PUC Certificate stands for Pollution Under Control Certificate. In India, the relevant authority sets standard pollution levels, and every vehicle must pass these tests to be legally driven. The certificate is provided once the vehicle has successfully undergone the emission tests. Since a PUCC is mandatory, riding without one can lead to hefty penalties and fines.

A PUC for a bike contains the following details:

  1. Serial Number: Every PUC Certificate has a unique serial number that helps track and identify it.
  2. Vehicle Details: The certificate includes your vehicle's registration number, model, and other details.
  3. Date of Emission Tests: The certificate also contains the date on which the emission test for obtaining PUCC was conducted.
  4. Emission Test Readings: Emission test readings, including CO, HC, and other pollutants, are also provided.
  5. Validity of the Certificate: The PUC certificate also shows its validity.

This certificate proves that your vehicle's emissions comply with the pollution standards. However, that’s not it; it's also a step towards environmental friendliness, in addition to being a legal mandate.

Know that a PUCC for a bike is usually valid for only 6 months. If you have a new vehicle, the PUC certificate might be valid for one year.

Why is a PUC Certificate Important For You?

If you are a vehicle owner in India, you must not ignore a PUC certificate. Here are some reasons why you need to have a valid PUC certificate:

Legal Mandate

Under the Motor Vehicle Act, it is essential to carry a valid PUC certificate to drive your vehicle in India. Failing to do this can lead to penalties and fines.

Helps Reduce Air Pollution

A PUC certificate that indicates your vehicle is within the standard pollution levels. These levels are fixed by the concerned authority after careful analysis of air pollution. Therefore, driving a vehicle with a valid PUC certificate helps reduce air pollution.

Mandatory to Renew Motor Insurance

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India has made it mandatory to have a valid PUC certificate. If you wish to renew your motor insurance policy. So, next time you renew your bike insurance, ensure you have a valid PUC certificate.

How to Get a PUC Certificate in India?

Getting a PUC certificate in India is a simple, hassle-free process that can be done online or offline. Here’s a step-by-step guide that you can rely upon to get the certificate for your bike:

Offline Method

  • Step 1: Visit the nearest authorised emission testing centre. It can either be the regional transport office (RTO) or an authorised petrol pump.
  • Step 2: The concerned operator will conduct an exhaust emission test by placing a testing device inside your two-wheeler's exhaust pipe.
  • Step 3: If your vehicle's emissions are within the standard limits, the operator will generate a PUC certificate based on the emission readings.
  • Step 4: You can now collect your certificate by paying the applicable fee.

Online Method

  • Step 1: Visit the official website or open the Parivahan Seva mobile app.
  • Step 2: On the homepage, locate the “Online Services” bar. From the dropbox menu, select “PUC Certificate.”
  • Step 3: You will be redirected to a new page where you have to provide essential information such as your bike registration number and chassis number.
  • Step 4: On the next page, click on the “PUC Details” to view your PUC certificate.
  • Step 5: You can print or download the PUC certificate for your bike from here.

Note: For PUCC renewal, you can follow the same guide.

What You Should Know About the Emission Tests for the PUC Certificate?

The emission test to obtain a PUC certificate is simple. However, before you visit the nearest authorised centre for the test, here are a few things that you must know:

Visit Only an Authorised Centre

Ensure that you get the test done only at an authorised centre. These include petrol pumps with a special emission-testing centre, a regional transport office, licensed standalone emission-testing centres, etc.

Keep Your Vehicle in Good Condition

To ensure your vehicle passes the pollution test easily, keep it in good condition. This includes timely services and regular maintenance.

PUCC Applicable Fees

The fee for obtaining a PUC certificate varies by state. Ensure to check the applicable fee from a government-authorised portal.

Final Words

A PUC certificate for your two-wheeler is both a legal mandate and a step you take towards being a responsible rider. With a simple, quick test, you can obtain a pollution certificate from an authorised testing centre nearby. In addition to having a PUCC, do not forget to purchase a valid two-wheeler insurance policy. In India, riding a two-wheeler requires you to have a valid bike insurance.

Wondering where to find the best two-wheeler insurance for your vehicle? Head to the Jio Insurance Broking portal to explore plans of reputed insurance companies and pick the one that best suits your needs.

FAQs

The PUC certificate stands for pollution under control certificate, and it represents that your vehicle is meeting the standard pollution norms set by the relevant authority.

Yes, in India, it is mandatory to have a PUC certificate for your vehicle. Failure to possess this certificate can lead to heavy penalties and fines.

A PUC certificate is typically valid for 6-12 months and you need to renew it accordingly. You can check the PUC's validity on the certificate itself.

To get a new PUC certificate, you usually need only your vehicle's registration certificate. Once your vehicle has passed the test, the relevant authority will issue a certificate.

If your vehicle has failed the PUC test, you do not need to worry. Take your vehicle to a garage and get the necessary repairs done. Go for a fresh PUC test.

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