No Valid PUC Certificate
Driving a vehicle without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
Fine (1st)
₹10,000
Imprisonment
Up to 3 months (or community service)
What the Law Says
All motor vehicles registered in India must carry a valid PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate. PUC tests measure exhaust emissions to ensure they are within permissible limits. BS6-compliant vehicles (manufactured after April 2020) require PUC every year. Older vehicles need PUC every 6 months. The certificate must be shown on demand to a police officer. Invalid PUC is increasingly enforced in metro cities as part of anti-pollution drives.
"Whoever drives a motor vehicle which violates the standards prescribed in relation to road safety, control of noise and air pollution, shall be punishable with fine of ten thousand rupees..." — Sec. 190(2), MV Act (as amended 2019)
Consequences
- ₹10,000 fine under the MV Act 2019
- Up to 3 months imprisonment or community service
- Increased enforcement in pollution-control zones
State-Specific Fines
Delhi
₹10,000 (as part of pollution crackdown)
Karnataka
₹1,000–₹2,000
Maharashtra
₹1,000
How to Avoid This Violation
- ✓PUC tests are available at most petrol pumps — takes 5 minutes
- ✓Set a phone reminder for PUC renewal
- ✓Regular vehicle servicing reduces emissions and helps pass PUC
What to Do If Caught
- 1.Pay the fine and get the PUC done immediately at the nearest authorised centre
- 2.PUC can also be done digitally — results are linked to your vehicle's Vahan account
Key Facts
40%
of vehicles fail PUC in spot checks (CPCB data)
6 months
PUC validity for pre-BS6 vehicles
Legal Reference
Section 190(2), MV Act 2019
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — Section 190(2); Central Motor Vehicle Rules, Rule 115
Information sourced from Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — Section 190(2); Central Motor Vehicle Rules, Rule 115. For awareness only — consult a legal professional for specific advice.