Pollution Certificate (PUC) India — Validity, Renewal & Fines
Your pollution certificate (PUC - Pollution Under Control) must always be valid. Here's everything - where to get it, cost, validity periods, how to check it online, and the fine for driving without one.
Updated May 2026
₹10,000
Fine for expired PUC
6 months
Standard validity
₹80–150
Cost at PUC centre
The fine for driving with an expired PUC certificate is ₹10,000 (or 6 months imprisonment) under the amended Motor Vehicles Act. Traffic police routinely check PUC at checkpoints.
BS6-compliant vehicles (manufactured after April 2020) that are less than 1 year old get a PUC certificate valid for 1 year. After the first year, they revert to the standard 6-month validity.
Electric vehicles (EVs) do not require a PUC certificate since they have zero exhaust emissions. This is one of the hidden benefits of EV ownership beyond fuel savings.
CNG vehicles require PUC testing at CNG-specific testing centres. Not all petrol pump PUC stations are equipped for CNG testing - check before visiting.
How to Renew Your PUC Certificate
Find a PUC testing centre
PUC testing is available at authorised emission testing centres - most petrol pumps have in-house PUC stations, marked with a green 'PUC' board. You can also use the VAHAN portal or your state transport app to find nearby centres.
Drive in - no appointment needed
PUC testing is walk-in. Drive your vehicle to the centre. The whole process takes 5–10 minutes.
Emission test is conducted
A probe is inserted into the exhaust. The machine measures CO, HC (hydrocarbons) and other pollutants against CMVR standards for your vehicle's fuel type and year of manufacture.
Certificate issued on the spot
If your vehicle passes, the PUC certificate (paper + sticker) is issued immediately. The data is uploaded to VAHAN instantly. The certificate is valid for 6 months (1 year for BS6 vehicles under 1 year old).
What if your vehicle fails?
If the vehicle fails emission standards, you'll need to service the engine (clean injectors, replace air filter, tune the engine) and retest. Older vehicles frequently fail - a basic service usually resolves it.
PUC Certificate Cost
| Two-wheelers (petrol) | ₹60–80 | Varies by state |
| Three-wheelers | ₹80–100 | Varies by state |
| Four-wheelers (petrol) | ₹80–120 | Varies by state |
| Four-wheelers (diesel) | ₹100–150 | Slightly higher |
| CNG vehicles | ₹80–120 | Same as petrol |
| Fine for expired PUC | ₹10,000 | Or 6 months imprisonment |
Frequently Asked Questions
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Information sourced from official government portals - parivahan.gov.in, morth.nic.in. Process details and fees may vary by state. Verify with your local RTO before proceeding.