A Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate is an official document that confirms a vehicle’s exhaust emissions fall within the limits set under Indian norms. For bike owners, having a PUC for two-wheelers is proof that their bike’s emissions are acceptable for road use. A typical PUC certificate displays the vehicle registration number, test date and expiry date, emission readings, and details of the authorised test centre. The PUC certificate for two-wheelers is usually valid for one year. After that, renewal is commonly required every six months, depending on the rules in force and the emission results for the vehicle.
Getting a PUC for two-wheelers is a quick process. Most riders use one of two methods:
Offline: Visit an authorised emission testing centre
Online: Access the certificate later through VAHAN or Parivahan.
This is the traditional process used by many:
This method suits riders who prefer walking away with a printed certificate in hand.
An online PUC certificate for two-wheelers is helpful when a digital copy is needed quickly or when the printed slip is not available. After the authorised centre uploads the test details, the certificate is usually accessed via the portal.
The steps are:
This option also makes it easier to verify validity without travelling to the centre again.
Fees are usually modest and may differ slightly across states:
Two-wheelers: ₹60 to ₹100
Cars: ₹100 to ₹150, depending on the type of four-wheeler
In most cases, the fee is far less than the penalty for not having a valid certificate. The fee may vary across states and RTOs. It is advised to confirm details with your nearest RTO before proceeding.
The emission test is simple:
The engine is kept running during the test
A probe is inserted into the exhaust pipe
CO (carbon monoxide) and HC (hydrocarbon) readings are measured in real time
The outcome is recorded and linked to the vehicle record
If the values are within the limits set by the government, the PUC for two-wheelers is issued at the centre.
PUC testing depends on the type of vehicle:
For two-wheelers: CO and HC measurements, among other parameters, are checked.
For petrol/CNG/LPG cars: CO and HC measurements.
For diesel vehicles: Opacity test, which checks the smoke density.
Modern tests may measure lambda/sensor-based parameters along with CO and HC. Additional measurements may be carried out as per norms.
Vehicles contribute to air pollution, particularly in busy urban areas. A PUC for two-wheelers supports regulatory monitoring by ensuring emissions stay within permitted limits. It also encourages basic upkeep, since poorly maintained engines often show higher emission readings during tests.
Lastly, keeping a printed slip or an online PUC certificate for two-wheelers stored on the phone makes compliance faster and avoids delays.
Online renewal still requires a fresh emission test at an authorised centre. After the test is completed and uploaded, the renewed certificate can typically be accessed online.
A common renewal flow looks like this:
If the PUC for your two-wheeler is already present in the system, downloading it is usually straightforward:
A digital copy is generally accepted as valid proof during traffic checks.
If stopped without a valid certificate, a rider may face a fine. The amount can be significant depending on enforcement. Keeping a valid PUC certificate for two-wheelers avoids unnecessary complications during routine checks.
PUC for two-wheelers is an essential compliance document. It confirms that the bike’s emissions remain within permissible limits and helps avoid penalties during road checks. A PUC certificate may also be required to raise a claim on your bike insurance policy. Since the test is quick and the cost is low, keeping the PUC certificate up to date is a practical routine for riders.
Whether the certificate is collected from a nearby centre or accessed online, check the expiration date and renew it on time.
No. Electric vehicles do not produce tailpipe emissions, so they are generally exempt.
No. Only authorised, RTO-approved testing centres can issue a valid certificate.
This blog is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. The content may include outdated information regarding the topic discussed. Readers are encouraged to confirm the accuracy and relevance of the data before making any significant decisions. SBI General Insurance disclaims responsibility for any errors or consequences arising from the use of outdated information provided herein.
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