Is a PUC certificate mandatory for vehicle insurance?

India have regulated vehicle emissions to maintain healthier environments. One such measure is the Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. 

A Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate certifies whether a car satisfies the government's or regulatory bodies prescribed emission criteria. It provides evidence that the car's emissions are within allowable bounds. 

It helps demonstrate that the car is not producing an undue amount of pollution. In addition to a PUC certificate, having a current car insurance is essential for car owners.

In this blog, we will discuss the definition of a PUC certificate, its importance, and whether it is required for all vehicles.

What is a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate?

Authorised pollution testing facilities provide a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, attesting that a vehicle's emissions fall below the government-established pollution standards.

This document is required according to the Central Motor Vehicles Rule of 1989. The certificate guarantees that your car is subject to emission rate control and is given following a pollution test.

A PUC certificate has the following contents:

•  Serial number of the PUC Certificate

•  Information on the car, including the registration number

•  The date of the test for an emission certificate

•  Readings from emission tests

•  The vehicle pollution certificate's validity

Why is a PUC certificate required?

The Indian government implemented the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, making the PUC certificate necessary in response to rising global pollution levels. This was mandated to monitor car air pollution.

Even with car coverage, a current, valid PUC certificate is required. In 2018, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) issued a circular requiring it.

As a result, a PUC with insurance is required in India per the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, the IRDAI circular, and the country's steadily rising pollution levels.

Documents required for car insurance renewal 

The list of documents required for car insurance renewal is provided below:

1. Government ID Proof such as an Aadhar card, PAN Card, or Passport

2. Address Proof

3. Car Registration Number

4. Driving License

5. Recent photograph

6. Car Registration Certificate 

7. Pollution Check Certificate 

8. Old Motor Insurance Policy Number

9. Credit or debit card details for online banking 

How do you apply online for a PUC certificate?

The steps listed below can be used to download the PUC certificate online.

Step 1: Launch your web browser and go to www.parivahan.gov.in, the Ministry of Transport and Highways, the Government of India's official website.
Step 2: Select "PUCC" from the menu section's "Online Services" tab.
Step 3: In the menu section, select "PUC Certificate."
Step 4: Enter the information, which includes the chassis number (the final five digits), the registration number, and the captcha code that appears.
Step 5: Click the "PUC Details" option to access information.
Step 6: Select the download option to store your PUC certificate as a copy.
 

This is the online process for obtaining a PUC certificate. 

How can you apply offline for a PUC certificate?

To obtain an offline PUC certificate, adhere to the instructions provided below.
Step 1: Drive your car to the closest authorised car emission testing facility or emission testing centre.
Step 2: The driver will examine the vehicle's exhaust system and determine its emission levels.
Step 3: Pay the operator's requested fee, ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 100. And your PUC certificate will be given to you.
Remember to always go to authorised vehicle emission testing facilities. In India, they are typically found in the middle of cities, near roads, and at petrol stations.

When should you get a PUC for a new car?

Now, you need to understand when to get PUC for a new car. Remember that it is essential for senior citizens to be aware of this.

Certificate of pollution for new car (permissible levels)

The Motor Vehicles Act mandates that a new car have a pollution certificate. To drive a vehicle lawfully in India, you must have this document. When to get PUC for new car regulations (permissible levels) are listed in the table below.

How can you renew your PUC online?

Your PUC certificate cannot be renewed online. You must physically transport your car to the testing facility because they are emissions tests. Your PUC certificate can only be viewed and downloaded on the official government website.

How to use the internet to check the status of your PUC certificate

The procedures listed below can be used to verify your PUC certificate's status electronically.

Step 1: Go to www.parivahan.gov.in, the official website of Parivahan Sewa.
Step 2: Choose "PUCC" from the "Online Services" option.
Step 3: Next, select the area labelled "Application Status."
Step 4: Enter the captcha code and complete the information pertaining to your "Application ID."
Step 5: Select the "View Application Details" button from there.
Step 6: Your PUC certificate's current status will be shown now.

Where are the PUC centres approved by the RTO?

Go to the government's official website to locate the RTO-approved PUC centres.

Step 1: Go to www.parivahan.gov.in, the official website of Parivahan Sewa.
Step 2: Choose "PUCC" from the "Online Services" option.
Step 3: Proceed to the menu's "PUC Centre List" section and choose it.
Step 4: From the drop-down menu, choose the appropriate "State" and "Office."
Step 5: The list of PUC centres approved by the RTO will now be displayed to you.
The list will include the PUC check vehicle type, authorised name, complete address of the centre, and PUCC centre code.

PUC guidelines and policies in India

The following are the guidelines for vehicle emission certificates. Keep in mind that these could change.

• Rule 115(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, establishes the allowable emission levels for automobiles.

• To keep pollution levels under control, the government regularly modifies the permitted emission levels for automobiles.

•  The Automobile Research Association of India, or ARAI, releases guidelines for assessing vehicle exhaust emissions, thresholds, and revised rules.

• Throughout the nation, the PUC standards and certificate format are the same.

• The testing facility may issue a rejection slip if the car fails the PUC test (emission levels exceed the allowable limit).

• The registration authority may suspend the vehicle's RC (Registration Certificate) and any other licences (with written justification) if the owner fails to comply with the pollution standards until the owner receives a valid pollution certificate.

Is your PUC certificate still valid?

Your PUC certificate has a limited period of validity. Additionally, it varies for both new and vintage cars.

• PUC validity for cars: A new vehicle has a one-year PUC validity. You will need to renew it every six months after that.

• Bike PUC validity: A brand-new bike has a one-year PUC validity. You will need to renew it every six months after that.

Conclusion

A PUC certificate is an essential document for all vehicles in India. It certifies that the vehicle's emissions are within the prescribed limits set by the government. The PUC certificate has become even more important with rising pollution levels in cities.

The PUC certificate is mandatory for roadworthiness and for renewing your vehicle's insurance. Without a valid PUC certificate, insurance companies can reject your renewal application.

It is recommended that you get your vehicle's PUC check done at authorized test centres before the existing PUC expires. For brand-new vehicles, the first PUC is valid for one year, after which it needs to be renewed every six months. Proper vehicle maintenance and timely PUC certification are crucial for keeping the vehicle roadworthy and the environment less polluted.