In Odisha, obtaining a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is essential for vehicle owners to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The PUC certificate verifies that your vehicle’s emissions are within the permissible limits set by the government. With numerous emission testing centres across the state, getting your vehicle tested is more accessible than ever. In this blog, we will walk you through the steps to obtain a PUC certificate, find authorised centres, and check the expiry date of your PUC certificate using online platforms in Odisha.
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What is a PUC Certificate?
A Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is mandatory for vehicles meeting government-set emission standards. It certifies that a vehicle's exhaust emissions are within permissible limits, contributing to reducing air pollution. The government's initiative is to improve air quality by regulating vehicle emissions.
In India, PUC tests are conducted at authorised centres, and the certificate is generally valid for six months. All motorised vehicles, including two-wheelers, cars, and commercial vehicles, must undergo PUC testing. Regular checks ensure vehicles comply with environmental norms and help mitigate pollution.
How to Obtain a PUC Certificate for Your Vehicle in Odisha
Obtaining a PUC certificate in Odisha is a simple process, whether you opt for an online or offline method. Follow the steps below based on your preference.
1. How to Get a PUC Certificate Online
A. Through Parivahan Website
You can use the official Parivahan PUC portal to check the status of your PUC or find testing centres.
Steps to Follow:
Visit the official Parivahan PUC Portal.
Go to the “Other Products and Services” section.
Select the “PUC Certificate” tab.
Enter your vehicle’s registration number and chassis number to check the status of your current PUC certificate.
Locate authorised PUC testing centres near your area.
View the details of your last emission test and check if renewal is required.
B. Through ACKO App
For a more convenient digital experience, the ACKO App provides an easy way to manage your PUC.
Steps to Use:
Download the ACKO app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Log in or sign up for an ACKO account.
Navigate to the ‘PUC’ section on the app or website.
Enter your vehicle registration number to check the current PUC status.
Schedule an emission test at an authorised PUC centre if renewal is needed.
Access and store your digital PUC certificate once the test is done.
2. How to Get a PUC Certificate Offline
You can also obtain a PUC certificate by visiting an authorised testing centre in person.
Steps Involved:
Find a nearby authorised PUC centre using:
The Parivahan PUC website.
Local service centres or directories.
Gather the required documents, including:
Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
Insurance papers
Driver’s licence (if needed)
Drive your vehicle to the PUC centre.
Undergo the emission test, which uses a gas analyser or smoke meter.
Receive the PUC certificate immediately if the car passes the test.
Pay the nominal testing fee, and the certificate will be valid for six months.
Online and offline methods ensure your vehicle complies with Odisha’s emission norms. Choose the one that best suits you!
Types of Emission Tests Conducted for Vehicles in Odisha
In Odisha, various tests are performed to ensure vehicles comply with environmental standards, helping to reduce pollution. These include:
Carbon Monoxide Test: Ensures carbon monoxide emissions remain within limits while assessing engine efficiency, air intake, and proper fuel combustion, ensuring vehicles operate efficiently and meet pollution standards.
Hydrocarbon Test: Measures unburnt fuel emissions to evaluate the engine's fuel combustion efficiency, ensuring proper fuel utilisation and reducing the environmental impact caused by incomplete combustion.
Carbon Dioxide Test: Analyses carbon dioxide emissions to assess the vehicle's environmental impact and compliance with eco-friendly standards, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Smoke Density Test: Evaluates the density of black smoke emitted by vehicles, particularly diesel engines, to determine combustion quality and ensure compliance with pollution control regulations.
Idling CO Test: Measures carbon monoxide emissions while the engine is idling, identifying inefficiencies during stationary operation and promoting smoother, more environmentally friendly engine performance.
Soundness of CNG/LPG Test: Detects potential leaks in CNG or LPG systems to ensure emissions remain within permissible limits, enhancing safety and reducing environmental hazards caused by gas leaks.
Emission Test Procedure to Get PUC Certificate in Odisha
You must pass an emission test for your Odisha Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
Here’s how it works:
Vehicle Inspection: The vehicle undergoes a physical inspection to check the exhaust system for functionality.
Emission Measurement: The test measures pollutants released from the exhaust using a specialised machine with the vehicle running at various speeds.
Result Analysis: The results are analysed to determine if the vehicle meets the emission standards. If the car passes, the PUC certificate will be issued.
Issuance of Certificate: The certificate, which includes the testing date and validity period, is issued once the test is completed. It is generally valid for six months.
PUC Certificate Renewal in Odisha
To comply with emission standards, you must regularly renew your Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. If your PUC certificate has expired or is about to expire, you will receive notifications regarding the renewal. Regular renewal ensures your vehicle remains eco-friendly and helps avoid penalties.
PUC Certificate Validity in Odisha
For a new car a PUCC is not required during the first year after registration. After one year, the vehicle must obtain a PUC certificate from an authorised agency. The validity is six months for BS-III vehicles and one year for BS-IV and BS-VI vehicles. After this period, vehicle owners must renew their PUC by having the car re-tested to ensure continued compliance with emission standards.
Importance of Maintaining a Valid PUC Certificate
Maintaining a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is crucial for legal compliance and environmental responsibility. The certificate ensures that your vehicle meets the prescribed emission standards, which helps reduce pollution and ensures that your vehicle remains roadworthy. Failure to maintain a valid PUC certificate could result in fines and penalties.
Penalties for Driving Without a Valid PUC Certificate
First Violation: A hefty penalty of ₹10,000, replacing the earlier fine of ₹1,000.
Subsequent Violations: ₹10,000 for repeated offences, significantly higher than the earlier ₹2,000 fine.
Regularly updating your vehicle's PUC certificate helps you avoid penalties and contributes to a cleaner, healthier environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common question and their answer related to PUC Certificate in Odisha
What paperwork is needed to apply for PUC?
Your Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC), insurance documents, and, if necessary, a driver's license are needed to apply for a PUC.
What happens if my PUC certificate is lost?
If you misplace your PUC certificate, you can download it on the Parivahan website by entering your car's registration and chassis number, or you can pick one up from an official PUC centre.
Can you do PUC at home?
PUC testing cannot be done online or at home but at an authorised facility.
What is the validity period of a PUC certificate?
It has to be renewed after its six-month expiration. The validity period for new cars may be one year.
How do I extend my PUC certificate?
To extend your PUC certificate, you can visit an authorised testing centre for re-testing.
Can I transfer my PUC certificate to a new vehicle?
No, PUC certificates are specific to individual vehicles. If you buy a new car, you must have it tested at an authorised PUC testing centre and obtain a new certificate. The PUC certificate for your old vehicle is not transferable to the new one.
