Is a PUC certificate required for bikes and scooters as well? What happens if you don't have one?
With air pollution reaching alarming levels in Delhi and other cities, authorities have tightened rules related to vehicle emissions. From December 18, fuel stations in Delhi have been instructed not to supply petrol or diesel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. This has raised an important question among two-wheeler owners: does this rule apply to bikes and scooters as well?
The clear answer is yes.
Is PUC mandatory for bikes and scooters?A PUC certificate is mandatory for all vehicles in India, including two-wheelers such as bikes and scooters. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, every vehicle running on Indian roads must comply with prescribed emission norms.
The PUC certificate confirms that your two-wheeler’s emissions—such as carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC)—are within permissible limits set by the government.
So, if you ride a bike or scooter, you are legally required to carry a valid PUC certificate.
What if you don’t have a PUC certificate?If your bike or scooter does not have a valid PUC certificate:
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You may be denied fuel in cities where strict enforcement is in place
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You can be fined ₹1,000 for the first offence
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Repeated violations may lead to higher penalties and legal trouble
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Insurance claims may become problematic in case of an accident
In short, riding without a PUC is both illegal and risky.
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New bikes/scooters: PUC is usually valid for 1 year from the date of registration
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After the first year: PUC must be renewed every 6 months
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Older vehicles: Emission checks may be required more frequently
Always check the expiry date to avoid fines.
Why is the PUC certificate important?The PUC certificate serves multiple purposes:
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Ensures your vehicle is not contributing excessively to air pollution
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Helps authorities control rising pollution levels
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Acts as a supporting document during insurance renewal or claims
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Confirms your vehicle’s engine is functioning efficiently
You can get a PUC certificate by visiting any authorised emission testing centre. The process is simple and takes only a few minutes.
You can also use the Parivahan portal
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Check PUC validity
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View test or application status
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Download your PUC certificate after testing
No. A PUC certificate cannot be renewed fully online because a physical emission test of the vehicle is mandatory. However, once the test is done at an authorised centre, you can access and download the certificate online through the Parivahan website.