How vehicular pollution impacts our health and environment
Vehicular pollution contributes significantly to air pollution in India, leading to adverse health effects such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, lung cancer, and more such ailments. Pollution from vehicles also harms the environment by degrading air quality, contributing to global warming, and damaging ecosystems.
The PUC certificate plays a crucial role in mitigating these impacts by ensuring that vehicles comply with emission standards. Regular emission testing and certification help identify vehicles emitting excessive pollutants, prompting owners to maintain their vehicles properly. By encouraging vehicle owners to keep their vehicles well-maintained and emissions within permissible limits, the pollution certificate contributes to reducing air pollution and protecting public health and the environment.
Also check : Car Insurance
Importance of having a Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
The significance of a PUC certificate cannot be overstated, considering the adverse effects of vehicular pollution on air quality and public health. Here are some key reasons why obtaining a PUC certificate is essential:
- Environmental preservation:
PUC certificates play a crucial role in curbing air pollution, which has a direct impact on the environment.
- Public health:
Reduced vehicular emissions result in improved air quality, leading to a decrease in respiratory problems and other health issues.
- Legal requirement:
In India, possessing a valid PUC certificate is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Failure to produce it when required can lead to penalties and fines.
- Fuel efficiency:
Regular PUC checks can identify and rectify issues that affect fuel efficiency, saving you money in the long run.
- Avoiding legal hassles:
Having an up-to-date PUC certificate ensures you are not caught in legal complications during routine checks by traffic authorities.
Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate charges and validity
To understand the financial aspects of obtaining a PUC certificate, let us look at the charges and validity period:
Type of vehicle
|
PUC certificate charges (in Rs.)
|
Validity period
|
Two-wheeler
|
60-100
|
6 months
|
Four-wheeler
|
80-120
|
6 months
|
Commercial vehicle
|
100-200
|
6 months
|
*These charges may vary depending on your location. Also, the validity for the PUC certificate for a new car or bike is one year. Post this, the certificate needs to be renewed every 6 months.
How to get PUC certificate online?
Given below are the steps to get a PUC certificate online:
Step 1: Visit the Parivahan website to get your Pollution Under Control certificate. Click on the "Online Services" dropdown menu.
Step 2: Click on "PUC Certificate" and enter your vehicle's registration number.
Step 3: Click on "Get Details." You will need to pay the applicable fee using any online payment method.
Step 4: You will be redirected to an authorised center for the pollution check. You will receive a unique identification number and a date and time for the test.
Step 5: Visit the authorised center at the given time and date for the pollution check.
Step 6: Once your vehicle passes the pollution test, the authorities will issue a PUC certificate. You can download the Pollution Under Control certificate from the Parivahan website.
How to get a PUC Certificate offline?
Given below are the steps to get a PUC certificate through an offline mode:
Step 1: Drive to an authorised PUC testing center with your vehicle.
Step 2: Give your vehicle for a pollution check.
Step 3: Once your vehicle passes the pollution test, the authorities will issue a PUC certificate.
Step 4: Pay the applicable fee to the authorities.
Step 5: Receive a hard copy of the certificate from the authorities.
Where to obtain your PUC Certificate: Locations and description
Location
|
Description
|
Authorised emission testing centres
|
These are designated centres authorised by regulatory authorities to conduct PUC tests and issue certificates.
|
Fuel Stations
|
Some fuel stations offer PUC testing facilities to customers, making it convenient to obtain the PUC certificate.
|
What is the emission test procedure to obtain a PUC certificate?
To obtain a PUC certificate, the vehicle must pass an emission test conducted by authorised centers. The test is conducted using a gas analyser, which measures the pollutants emitted by the vehicle's exhaust. The gas analyser measures the levels of nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide emitted by the vehicle. The vehicle must pass the emission test by recording emission levels within the prescribed limits to obtain the pollution certificate.
Given below is the procedure for the same:
- Take your vehicle to the emission testing center and position it according to the instructions provided by the operator of the emission testing device.
- Once the vehicle is appropriately positioned, the operator will insert a device into the exhaust pipe to commence the emission testing.
- Start your vehicle and rev the engine as necessary to enable the device to analyse the emissions emanating from the exhaust.
- The device will display the emission readings on a computer screen for assessment.
- Following the analysis, the operator will capture an image of your vehicle’s registration plate and subsequently generate the PUC certificate.
- Complete the process by settling the required fees and collecting your pollution certificate. This entire sequence of steps is designed to be swift and efficient, ensuring a seamless experience for vehicle owners.
Various types of emission tests for vehicles and how do these tests measure emissions
Understanding the importance of emission tests is crucial for obtaining a pollution control certificate, also known as a PUC certificate. This table outlines various types of emission tests conducted for different vehicle types, emphasizing their role in promoting environmental sustainability and vehicle compliance with pollution control regulations.
Vehicle Type
|
Test Type
|
Description
|
Petrol Vehicles
|
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Test
|
Measures CO emissions to assess fuel combustion, engine efficiency, and air intake effectiveness.
|
Hydrocarbon (HC) Test
|
Measures unburnt fuel levels to ensure complete combustion within the engine, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
|
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Test
|
Measures CO2 emissions, providing insight into the vehicle's overall environmental impact and efficiency.
|
Diesel Vehicles
|
Smoke Density Test
|
Measures black smoke emissions to assess fuel combustion efficiency and engine wear and tear.
|
Idling CO Test
|
Evaluates CO emissions during engine idling to assess combustion efficiency and emissions levels in stationary conditions.
|
CNG/LPG Vehicles
|
CO Test
|
Assesses CO emissions to gauge fuel combustion efficiency and engine performance.
|
HC Test
|
Checks for complete fuel combustion by measuring hydrocarbon emissions, ensuring optimal engine operation and reduced emissions.
|
Soundness of CNG/LPG System
|
Examines the integrity of the CNG/LPG system to detect leaks or damage that could increase emissions and harm the environment.
|
How to check the online application status for PUC certificate?
To check the online application status for a pollution certificate, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Parivahan website at vahan.parivahan.gov.in.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Online Services’ dropdown menu and select ‘PUC Certificate.’
Step 3: Enter your application number and vehicle registration number and click on ‘Get Status.’
Step 4: The website will display your application status.
How to download PUC certificate online?
To download a pollution certificate online, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Parivahan website at vahan.parivahan.gov.in.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Online Services’ dropdown menu and select ‘PUC Certificate.’
Step 3: Enter your application number and registration number and click on ‘Get Status.’
Step 4: If your application has been approved, you will see an option to download the PUC certificate. Click on the download option and save the certificate on your device.
Can you renew your PUC certificate online?
If you are a vehicle owner, you would know how important it is to have a valid PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate. It ensures that your vehicle meets the prescribed emission standards and helps in controlling air pollution.
Renewing the PUC certificate online is not an option. Since these are emission tests, you must physically take your vehicle to a testing centre to complete the process. However, you can download the certificate online on VAHAN website.
Finding RTO-approved PUC centres in India
To get PUC certificates for your vehicles, you can visit RTO-approved PUC centres located across India.
Step 1: Go to the Parivahan PUC website.
Step 2: Click on the PUC Centre List option on the top menu.
Step 3: Select the ‘State’ and ‘Office’ from the dropdown menu to view the list of PUC centres. Take your vehicle to these centres to get your pollution certificate.
Why is a PUC certificate mandatory in India?
The pollution certificate in India is mandated by the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 to ensure a vehicle’s emission level complies with the acceptable norms. Here are some of the reasons why it is mandatory to have a PUC certificate:
- Legal requirement: The PUC certificate is mandated by law in India under the Motor Vehicles Act, making it obligatory for all vehicles to undergo regular emission tests.
- Environmental protection: It aims to curb vehicular pollution by ensuring that vehicles meet specified emission standards, thereby reducing harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere.
- Public health concerns: The certificate safeguards public health by promoting cleaner air quality, mitigating respiratory issues, and minimizing the impact of vehicular emissions on human health.
- Regulatory compliance: Obtaining a PUC certificate demonstrates compliance with environmental regulations and reinforces the government's efforts to address pollution concerns nationwide.
- Traffic regulation: It helps regulate vehicular traffic by imposing penalties on vehicles without a valid PUC certificate, thereby encouraging vehicle owners to maintain their vehicles' emission levels within permissible limits.
Permissible emission levels for new car pollution certificates
The permissible emission levels for new car pollution certificates are regulated by the Bharat Stage (BS) emission standards. For petrol cars, the limits are set for CO, HC, NOx, and PM levels. Compliance with these standards ensures reduced environmental impact.
Pollutant
|
Petrol Cars (BS VI)
|
CO
|
1.0 g/km
|
HC
|
0.1 g/km
|
NOx
|
0.06 g/km
|
PM
|
0.005 g/km
|
Emission levels for new bike pollution certificates: Guidelines
New bike pollution certificates are governed by stringent emission norms under the Bharat Stage VI (BS VI) standards. These guidelines ensure lower emissions of CO, HC, NOx, and PM from two-wheelers, contributing to a cleaner environment.
Pollutant
|
Two-Wheelers (BS VI)
|
CO
|
1.14 g/km
|
HC
|
0.48 g/km
|
NOx
|
0.09 g/km
|
PM
|
0.005 g/km
|
Emission standards for Diesel vehicle pollution certificates
Diesel vehicles must adhere to specific emission standards to obtain pollution certificates. The BS VI norms specify the maximum allowable levels for CO, HC, NOx, and PM, ensuring diesel vehicles are environmentally compliant.
Pollutant
|
Diesel Vehicles (BS VI)
|
CO
|
0.5 g/km
|
HC + NOx
|
0.17 g/km
|
NOx
|
0.08 g/km
|
PM
|
0.005 g/km
|
Guidelines for pollution certificates of old vehicles
Old vehicles need to comply with emission standards to receive pollution certificates. The permissible levels of CO, HC, NOx, and PM vary based on vehicle type and age, ensuring older vehicles meet environmental norms.
Pollutant
|
Older Vehicles (BS IV)
|
CO
|
2.72 g/km (Petrol)
|
HC + NOx
|
0.97 g/km (Petrol)
|
CO
|
0.5 g/km (Diesel)
|
HC + NOx
|
0.87 g/km (Diesel)
|
Do you need to carry your PUC Certificate while driving?
Yes, it is mandatory to carry your Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate while driving. This certificate ensures your vehicle meets emission standards and is required during police checks and by the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
PUC certificate rules and regulations in India
Understanding the rules and regulations regarding Pollution Under Control certificates is crucial to avoid legal hassles. Here are some key points:
- According to Rule 115 (2) of the Motor cars Act of 1988, the acceptable emission standards for cars are set.
- To keep pollution levels under control, the government regularly changes the allowable emission levels for cars.
- To examine vehicle exhaust emissions, restrictions, and revised laws, ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) issues directives.
What is the duration of validity for your PUC certificate?
For new cars and two-wheelers, a PUC certificate is valid for a duration of one year. After that, you have to renew the pollution certificate every six months from the date of issuance.
To renew, you can search for ‘PUC near me’ in Google to locate the nearest emission testing centre, take the emission test, and get your PUC certificate.
Penalties for not obtaining a Pollution Under Control certificate
As per The Motor Vehicles Act, possessing a valid PUC Certificate is compulsory for driving a vehicle in India. Non-compliance with these regulations may lead to penalties under Section 190 (2) of The Motor Vehicles Act. The penalty for initial non-compliance with obtaining a pollution certificate is set at Rs. 1,000. Subsequent offences incur a higher penalty of Rs. 2,000. It's important to note that penalty amounts may differ across states.
Obtaining a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is not just a legal requirement; it is a responsible step towards a cleaner environment and better public health. Whether you choose the online or offline route, adhering to the emission standards and renewing your PUC certificate on time is crucial. Owning a PUC certificate as important as owning a bike or car insurance policy. It not only keeps you on the right side of the law but also contributes to the collective effort to reduce vehicular pollution, making the air we breathe cleaner and safer for everyone.
