PUC Certificate Maharashtra: Check PUC Expiry Date by Vehicle Number Online

A Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) is a government-issued document stating that the emissions released by your vehicle are within the limit specified under the applicable law. According to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, every vehicle (except EVs) in the country is required by law to have this document to avoid penalties and ensure proper adherence to the law.

What details does a PUCC carry?

A Pollution Under Control Certificate in Maharashtra carries the following key details: Vehicle details: The details of the vehicle, such as make, model, vehicle registration number, etc.

• Unique number: A ‘Unique Certification Number’ for easy tracking and verification.
• Testing details: The date and time of the vehicle emission testing.
• Emission reading: The detailed emission reading.
• Validity: The validity of the PUC Certificate.
• Status of the test: The compliance status of the test - fail or pass.
• Details of authorized center: The address, name and other details of the authorised center.
• Technical information: Vehicle emission norms compliance.
• Vehicle’s owner information: The basic details of the vehicle owner (masked) for transparency.

Note: In case a vehicle fails to pass the emission test, a rejection slip is issued instead of a PUCC. The vehicle has to go for a re-test within the mentioned timeline.

Why is the Pollution Under Control Certificate important?

PUCC holds a significant place and below are the prime reasons clarifying its importance:

• Mandatory by law: PUCC is an important document that every vehicle owner should have as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicles Rule, 1989.
• Environmental benefit: A valid PUCC states that the vehicle does not cross the permissible emissions or pollution norms. Thus, this way it also helps in curbing pollution.
• Vehicle health: Getting the examination done after every 6 months (for old cars) helps the vehicle’s owner understand the pollution level and the health of the vehicle as well.
• Motor insurance renewal: PUCC is important when renewing a car insurance or motor insurance policy. Not having a valid pollution certificate will create a problem.
• Avoid eChallan: Not having a valid Pollution Under Control certificate attracts fines or challan penalty in Delhi. Thus, it is advised to carry a PUCC when driving a vehicle.

Laws relating to the PUC Certificate in India

The Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) is a mandatory document under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and it works as per the regulations, limits and rules determined under the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1989.

However, in addition to this, there are several other laws as well that play a vital role in PUCC and they are:

• Section 110 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: Empowers the Central Government to make rules regulating the construction, equipment, and maintenance of motor vehicles and trailers.
• Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: Fines and penalties for not having a PUCC.
• Rule 115 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989: Defines the limits of the vehicle emissions for the vehicles.
• Rule 115(7) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989: Mandates all new vehicles to have a valid PUCC issued by an agency authorised by the State Government, after a year from the date of registration.
• Rule 116 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989: Grants traffic officers the power to demand a PUCC. Further, it also empowers them to demand a re-test of the vehicles within 7 days, in case they believe the vehicle is not adhering to the vehicle emissions limits.
• Rule 116(1) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989: The validity of the PUCC.
• Standardized Format (G.S.R. 410(E) - 2021): The Ministry of Road and Transport Highways defined a standardized format for the Pollution Under Control form, aiming for ‘One Nation, One PUC’.
• G.S.R. 527(E): Linkage of PUC data with VAHAN database.

How to get a Pollution Under Control Certificate in Maharashtra?

To get a PUCC in Maharashtra, the vehicle has to undergo an emission test at the specified centers. Once the pollution emission test is completed, the vehicle owner can get the certificate either online or offline.

How to get a PUC Certificate online in Maharashtra?

Parivahan offers a simple and secure interface for individuals to get a PUCC online.

Here are the simple steps to follow:

1. Visit the VAHAN Parivahan website.
2. Click on ‘PUC Certificate’.
3. Enter the ‘Registration Number’ and ‘Chassis Number’ (last 5 digits).
4. Enter the displayed security code for verification.
5. Click on ‘PUC Details’ and download the pollution certificate.

How to get a PUCC offline in Maharashtra?

Here are the simple steps to get the PUCC offline in Maharashtra:

1. Visit any of the authorised emission testing centers in Maharashtra for the vehicle’s examination.
2. Position the vehicle as per the instructions provided by the test operator/concerned person.
3. The operator will start the test by inserting the pipe to get clear readings.
4. The test operator will then note down the emission readings.
5. Pay the applicable charges to the operator.
6. A PUCC or rejection slip will be issued to the vehicle owner, based on the readings.

Where can a vehicle emission test be performed in Maharashtra?

For examination of the vehicle, the drivers can visit the following locations:

• Petrol pumps: Some petrol pumps offer the facility of pollution emission testing in Maharashtra.
• Authorised garages: At the RTO-approved garages.

How to find the nearest authorised emission test centres in Maharashtra?

Park+ is a simple online platform offering vehicle owners the facility to check the authorised PUCC centres in Maharashtra. To check the nearest pollution testing centres in Maharashtra, perform the following steps:

1. Go to the Park+ mobile app.
2. Search for PUCC centres.
3. Enter the location and state, say Maharashtra.
4. Get the complete list of the authorised PUCC centres.

Types of pollution emission tests in Maharashtra

Based on the fuel type, the emission test differs. Below are the different tests conducted for the vehicles:

How to renew a PUC Certificate in Maharashtra?

PUCC renewal is an important process and should not be neglected at all. New vehicles, after a year of registration and old vehicles, after 6 months, are required to get the pollution certificate renewed without any delay.

For PUCC renewal in Maharashtra, the vehicle owners need to get the vehicle emission test done. To do so, take the following steps:

1. Check for the nearest pollution emission test center in Maharashtra on Park+.
2. Visit the centre and connect with the test operator.
3. Follow the instructions of the test operator to get the emission test done.
4. Pay the applicable test fees and wait for the results.
5. Get the test results and the renewed PUCC.

Pro tips: - Check if the pollution certificate has a QR. - Ensure all the details are clearly printed on the certificate, such as validity, PUC serial number, emission readings, etc. - You can also download the PUCC certificate online from Parivahan.

What are the validity and renewal rules for the PUC Certificate in Maharashtra?

The PUC Certificate in Maharashtra needs to be renewed after the completion of its validity. The validity varies depending on the age of the vehicle - new cars, old cars and the test readings as well.

The validity and renewal rule might vary depending on the state; however, the standardised format defines the following:

*The validity may vary depending on the state.

How can I check the PUC Certificate expiry by the number plate?

If you are not aware of the PUCC's validity, take action to check it instantly. The validity can be checked instantly through online or offline ways.

Below are the steps involved in each case to check the certificate’s validity:

Online Method

Through Parivahan

The PUC Certificate expiry by number plate can be done easily through the Parivahan portal. To check the validity, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Parivahan website.
2. Go to the ‘PUC Certificate’ page.
3. Enter the vehicle registration number and chassis number (last 5 digits).
4. Type the displayed security code for quick verification.
5. Click on ‘Get Details’ to check the validity of the certificate.

Offline Method

Through Certificate

This is the simplest method of checking the validity date. For this, one should have a printed copy of the certificate. The vehicle owners can check the validity of the certificate by checking the certificate.

Vehicle emission standards

Under the Pollution Control Law, there are certain emission criteria that must be followed by the vehicle. Below are the permissible emission standards based on the fuel types for different vehicles:

For new cars

For new bikes

For diesel vehicles

For old vehicles (cars, bikes and three-wheelers)

*The permissible emission standard might vary depending on the state.

Which vehicles are exempt from PUCC in India?

Though PUCC is mandatory for all vehicles in India, there are some exceptions. The electric vehicles and new vehicles are generally exempt from having a PUCC.

Electric Vehicles (EVs): These vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions and thus, these vehicles are not required to have a Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). New vehicles: New vehicles do not need to have a PUCC until 1 year from the date of registration.

Smart tips to avoid the PUC Certificate fines in Maharashtra

Some smart tips can prevent motorists from receiving heavy fines. A few of the must-follow tips in consideration of the PUC Certificate are:

• Set a reminder for at least two weeks before the expiry date to renew the certificate online.
• Always carry the PUCC when driving/riding a vehicle.
• Ensure all the details are clearly mentioned on the certificate to avoid confusion.
• Keep a digital copy of the certificate.
• Get the emission test done at authorised centres only.
• Get the renewal done on time to ensure a smoother process of car insurance renewal.

PUC Certificate in Maharashtra is an important document that every vehicle owner should have, especially when driving or riding a vehicle. This document reflects the vehicle’s health, prevents Maharashtra eChallan and helps vehicle owners enjoy a smooth car insurance renewal process. However, the process to get a PUCC renewal certificate is simple and every motorist should responsibly comply with the laws relating to it.