Starting July 2025, all vehicle owners in India are now legally required to renew their Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates every six months. This new traffic law is aimed at strengthening vehicle pollution control efforts in India, where rising emissions continue to threaten air quality across major cities. Under the updated regulation, failing to maintain a valid PUC will result in heavier fines, driving restrictions, and possible vehicle deregistration.
The previous rule, which allowed validity up to 12 months for new vehicles, has now been replaced with a universal 6-month certificate renewal cycle. This policy applies to both private and commercial vehicles—regardless of vehicle type, fuel, or age.
Key Highlights of the New PUC Rule in India
Here’s what all Indian vehicle owners need to know about this latest Indian driving law:
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New Validity Period: 6 months for all vehicles (earlier 12 months for new cars)
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Who Is Affected: All petrol, diesel, CNG, LPG, and hybrid vehicles
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Starting Date: Applicable from July 1, 2025, pan-India
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Certificate Requirement: Digital or physical PUC copy must be carried at all times
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Penalty: ₹2,000 for first offence, ₹4,000 for repeat offences
This is part of a larger drive to improve emissions India compliance and ensure that older vehicles are properly maintained.
Where to Get PUC Certificates
Vehicle owners can obtain their updated vehicle pollution certificates at:
| Location Type | Service Provided | Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol Pumps | PUC test for petrol/CNG | ₹60–₹80 |
| RTO Certified Centers | Diesel vehicle testing | ₹100–₹120 |
| Online Portals | Certificate download only | Free |
Over 75,000 testing centers across the country are now equipped with digital uploading systems that connect results directly to the Parivahan portal.
Why the Rule Has Changed
The government’s decision is based on alarming data from CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board), which states that:
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Over 30% of urban air pollution is caused by vehicular emissions
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Nearly 40% of tested vehicles had expired or invalid PUC certificates
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Two-wheelers and diesel cars were among the highest polluters
By implementing a stricter vehicle pollution control framework, the Ministry of Road Transport aims to reduce carbon footprint and make Indian roads more environmentally friendly.
How to Stay Compliant
To avoid fines and ensure full compliance with this new traffic law, vehicle owners should:
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Set calendar reminders every 6 months for PUC renewal
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Always carry a digital copy of the PUC (SMS or PDF)
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Use the mParivahan or Parivahan Sewa app to verify certificate status
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Service your vehicle regularly to ensure cleaner emissions
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Visit authorized centers only for genuine testing
FAQs
What is the new PUC rule for Indian drivers in 2025?
All vehicle owners must now renew their vehicle pollution certificate every 6 months, effective July 1, 2025.
Does the 6-month rule apply to new vehicles as well?
Yes, the new rule is universal and applies to new and old vehicles, regardless of age or fuel type.
What happens if I don’t renew my PUC on time?
You may face a ₹2,000 fine for the first offence and ₹4,000 for subsequent violations, as per the new traffic law.
Can I get my PUC certificate online?
Yes, after testing your vehicle at an authorized center, the certificate can be downloaded from Parivahan Sewa.
Is this rule applicable nationwide?
Yes, this is a central regulation enforced across all Indian states and union territories under the emissions India control initiative.
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