3 Reasons You Should Obtain PUC Certificate For Your Car
The PUC is an essential document to always have in the car. In this article we will explain why.
PUC Certificate - Having a car to meet daily transportation needs has become a necessity nowadays, especially for millennials. However, with itself, a car also brings a few responsibilities - like obedience of traffic rules, care for the environment, etc.
According to the Indian Motor Tariff, 2002, a car owner is required to mandatorily carry documents namely a valid driving license, the car's registration certificate (RC), valid insurance document and a PUC Certificate while driving. In this article, we focus on the PUC Certificate which is often a less talked about document but an equally important one as a driving license, RC or insurance document.
What is a PUC Certificate?
PUC stands for Pollution Under Control. A certificate of PUC is granted to a vehicle if it qualifies for a PUC test. It ensures the emissions from the vehicle are under control and it is made according to the pollution norms. The certificate has a validity of 6 months for two-wheelers and 1 year for four-wheelers.
Why Is PUC Certificate Required?
A PUC certificate is required for the following reasons:
1. Legal Obligation
It is mandatory to renew a PUC Certificate from time to time to avoid paying RTO (Regional Transport Office/ Road Transport Office) fines. Driving without the certificate or driving with an expired one comes as an RTO traffic violation. RTO fine for the former case is Rs. 1,000 while for the latter case, it is Rs. 2,000. So, it is always advised to collect a new PUC Certificate in case of a new vehicle and renew an existing PUC Certificate before it expires to avoid the fines.
2. Environmental Responsibility
Pollution caused by vehicles can impart adverse effects on the environment as well as on people’s health. To curb the pollution level, every citizen must play their role by following some rules in contributing to the betterment of the planet. Keeping the pollution level of a vehicle under control is a small step towards this betterment process. Every citizen should fulfil their environmental responsibility by obtaining a PUC certificate to check that their car do not cross the stipulated pollution level.
3. Car Insurance Renewal
In the year 2017, the Supreme Court of India mandated a PUC certificate for the renewal of a car insurance policy. In order to make sure that the vehicle owners undergo an emission test to check the emissions of the vehicle are under control or not, the Supreme Court made this rule. Thus, now along with a valid driving licence and other required documents, a valid PUC certificate is also required to be submitted at the time of a car insurance policy renewal.
How to Get the PuC Certificate?
You can get your car or two-wheeler’s PuC Certificate from the following places:
- Petrol pumps authorized to do these tests.
- Licensed testing centres.
- Service centres that are also authorized to take an emissions test.
What Details are Mentioned on the PuC Certificate?
The following details are mentioned on a PuC Certificate?
- The date of the test
- The license plate number of the vehicle or two-wheeler
- The expiry date of the PuC Certificate
- The test readings
- The serial number of the PuC Certificate
What is the Cost of the PuC Certificate?
This certificate ranges from Rs. 60 to Rs 100 depending on the type of car and its fuel type.
How to Check the Status of Your PuC Certificate Online?
The following steps will help you to check the status of your PuC Certificate online:
Step 1: Visit the Parivahan website.
Step 2: Click on the PuC certification tab.
Step 3: In the given section, enter the last 5 digits of your car’s chassis number and the captcha code visible on the screen.
If you want a soft copy of this, simply click the print button and will offer the option to save the document, and also print it.
Other Important Documents to Have in Your Car
Along with your PUC certificate, it is also important to have certain other documents in your car at all times:
1. Registration Certificate: It is proof that your vehicle has been registered with the Regional Transport Office. When you purchase a new car you will need to file for the registration certificate within a week of the purchase. It is mandatory for all cars driving on Indian roads by the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 and is valid for 15 years.
2. Driving License: This is also compulsory for every person driving a car and must be valid at all times. A driver’s license is not given immediately. You must first apply for the beginner’s license and take the test for the permanent license within 1-6 months since the issue of the learner’s license.
3. Insurance Policy: Having third-party insurance for your car is compulsory for every car driving on Indian roads according to the Indian Motor Tariff. If caught without car insurance, you can be fined Rs.2,000 and or be imprisoned for up to 3 months. You can also get coverage for own-damage costs in case of a mishap with standalone own-damage insurance or comprehensive car insurance.
Takeaway
In a nutshell, the PUC is an essential document that you must carry and keep up to date with your registration certificate, driver’s license and insurance policy. A PUC test takes around five minutes and if the vehicle passes the test, the certificate is granted on the spot. So, it is always suggested to collect a PUC Certificate for a new car or renew the existing one on time. Perform your role in reducing pollution and make the planet a better place to live.
For further reading: Keep in mind, just like the PUC you must keep your car insurance up to date and valid. When purchasing or renewing car insurance do it online. With just a few clicks you can compare different car insurance companies, the quotes they offer and their network of cashless garages. To read more articles on car insurance click here.
For further reading:
New Traffic Rules & Fines in India, Applicable From September 2019
Everything About the Pollution Under Control Certificate
Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.
