IndiaIs it mandatory to have PUC certificate?
Yes, it is mandatory for every motor vehicle in India to carry a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate at all times while on the road.
What the Law Says
The requirement for a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is mandated under India’s Motor Vehicles Act and associated rules to curb vehicular air pollution.
Under Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, driving a motor vehicle without a valid PUC certificate is an offence punishable with fine and/or imprisonment.
Rule 115 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 specifies that every motor vehicle must carry a PUC certificate issued by an authorised testing centre after emission testing. The certificate is valid for one year for new vehicles (up to 1 year old) and six months for older vehicles.
The PUC test checks carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and other emissions against prescribed limits set by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Statutory TextIf any person drives a motor vehicle in contravention of the provisions of section 190, he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees, and for the second or subsequent offence, with fine which may extend to twenty thousand rupees.
— Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, s. 190(2) — Penalty for contravention of certain provisions
Statutory TextEvery motor vehicle shall carry a certificate of emission test issued by an authorized emission test centre.
— Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, r. 115 — Certificate of emission test
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.