PUC Expired? Here's Whether You Can Legally Drive and the Penalties You Could Face

If you own a car or bike, keeping your Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate valid is just as important as carrying your driving licence or insurance. The certificate confirms that your vehicle's emissions are within the prescribed limits. Driving without a valid PUC can lead to hefty fines and other legal consequences.

Can You Drive After Your PUC Certificate Expires?

Under the Motor Vehicles Act

, there is no grace period once a PUC certificate expires. The moment its validity ends, driving the vehicle without renewing the certificate is considered a violation of the law. Vehicle owners are advised to renew the PUC before the expiry date to avoid penalties.

What Fine Can You Face?

If you're caught driving without a valid PUC certificate, you may face:

• A fine ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹10,000
• Higher penalties for repeat offences
• Suspension of your driving licence for up to three months in certain cases

Government Considering New PUC Rules

The government is reportedly working on a new PUCC 3.0