Vehicle owners in Delhi will need to pay close attention to their Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates as the government prepares to introduce stricter measures to tackle rising air pollution. From November 1, vehicles without a valid PUC certificate, including those with expired certificates, will be denied petrol and diesel at fuel stations under the announced ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule.
Driving without a valid PUC certificate can also attract a fine. In addition, restrictions are set to apply from November 1 to vehicles that do not meet BS-VI emission standards entering Delhi.
To avoid inconvenience, vehicle owners should check their PUC status and renew their certificates before they expire. This can be done online through the Parivahan portal or with the mParivahan mobile app.
How to Check PUC Status on the Parivahan Portal
The government’s Parivahan website allows vehicle owners to check their pollution certificate details online. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official website at https://parivahan.gov.in.
- Enter your vehicle registration number and the last five digits of its chassis number.
- Fill in the captcha displayed on the screen.
- Select the relevant PUC details option to view the available information.
The portal displays the available certificate details, including the certificate number, validity date and emission test readings. Check the expiry date carefully to determine whether your vehicle needs a new pollution test.
Check Your PUC Certificate Through the mParivahan App
Vehicle owners can also check their PUC information using the mParivahan app, which is available for Android and iPhone users.
After downloading the official app, sign in and add your vehicle details or select a vehicle already linked to your account. Open the vehicle profile and look for the PUC section to view the available certificate information and validity status.
Using the official app can help you check your vehicle’s records without visiting a testing centre simply to verify the certificate details.
How Long Is a PUC Certificate Valid?
New vehicles generally do not require a PUC test during the first year after registration. Once that period ends, owners must undergo the required pollution test and obtain a valid certificate.
For petrol and diesel vehicles, a PUC certificate is generally valid for six months, although the applicable validity can vary in certain cases. The expiry date printed on the certificate should be treated as the key reference.
To avoid last-minute problems, set a reminder on your mobile phone for seven days before the certificate expires. This gives you time to arrange the test and renew the certificate.
What to Do If PUC Details Are Missing Online
Sometimes, a certificate may not appear online immediately after a pollution test. If this happens, wait for some time and check the portal again.
Make sure that the registration number and chassis number have been entered correctly. Pay particular attention to the difference between the letter ‘O’ and the number ‘0’, as entering the wrong character can prevent the record from appearing.
Keep the physical certificate issued by the testing centre in a safe place. If the online record remains unavailable, contact the centre that conducted the pollution test for assistance.
Vehicle owners should use only official government websites and applications to check PUC information. Avoid entering vehicle details on unfamiliar websites or third-party apps. If a certificate is close to expiry, arrange the test well in advance. A vehicle that fails the test may need repairs and another test before it can receive a valid certificate.
You may also save a photograph of your PUC certificate on your phone for reference. However, a photograph should not be treated as a replacement for the official valid certificate or record.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Vehicle entry restrictions, PUC requirements, certificate validity and enforcement procedures may be subject to official notifications and changes. Vehicle owners should check the latest instructions on authorised government websites and confirm the applicable requirements before travelling to Delhi.