One Nation, One PUC: Centre Makes Pollution Certificate Uniform Across India - Key Things To Note

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a notification to make the PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate for all vehicles uniform across the country besides linking the PUC database with the National Register.

One Nation, One PUC | File Image

In a move offering ease to travellers moving across the country, the government has approved the use of the same PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate for all vehicles within India. If the existing PUC has not expired, you will not be required to get a fresh certificate at different locations in the country for the same vehicle.

What’s the notification?

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a notification to make the PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate for all vehicles uniform across the country besides linking the PUC database with the National Register.

What are the changes to note?

QR code on the form: With the changes introduced in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989 by the road ministry, the QR code shall be printed on the PUC form showing details of the vehicle, owner and the status of the emission.

Mandatory mobile number: The new PUC will have the vehicle owner's mobile number, name and address, engine number and chassis number. An SMS alert will be sent for validation and fee.

Rejection slip: According to the notification, the concept of rejection slip has been introduced for the first time. "A common format of rejection slip is to be given to the vehicle owner in case the test result value is more than the maximum permissible value, as mandated in the concerning emission norms," the statement said.

Testing at another centre: The ministry noted that the document can be shown at the service centre for getting the vehicle serviced or can be used, in case the PUCC centre device is not working properly when tested at another centre.

Enforcement officer: Also, in case the enforcement officer has reason to believe that a motor vehicle is not complying with provisions of emission standards, he may communicate in writing or through electronic mode to direct the driver or any person in charge of the vehicle to submit the vehicle for conducting the test in any one of the authorised PUC testing stations. Such enforcement would be IT-enabled and would help in better control over polluting vehicles.