☰

PUC Certificate in Himachal Pradesh

The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 requires all vehicles on Indian roads to have a valid Pollution Under Control certificate. This is reinforced in HP, and driving without a valid PUCC may lead to a penalty. There are currently 490 active emission testing centres located throughout Himachal Pradesh. Read further to know more about the PUC certificate in Himachal Pradesh.

Enter registration number

What is a PUC Certificate?

PUC stands for Pollution Under Control Certificate. The PUC document states that your vehicle's exhaust emissions meet the government's prescribed limits. Pollution testing centres usually issue PUCCs only after measuring the pollutants released by your vehicle.

Why Should You Have a Valid PUC Certificate for Vehicles in Himachal Pradesh?

There are various reasons why having a pollution certificate is significant for vehicle owners in the state.

  1. Legal requirement to avoid penalties
    The Motor Vehicles Act requires that all vehicles obtain pollution certificates. If one fails to abide by this ruling in Himachal Pradesh, they are fined Rs. 1,000 by the state's traffic authorities.Read more

  2. Required for insurance renewal
    IRDAI issued a circular on 6 July 2018 following a Supreme Court directive. The circular instructed all general insurance companies to verify the validity of a PUC certificate before processing motor insurance renewals.Read more

  3. Environmental protection
    A valid PUC certificate confirms that the vehicle's emissions are in compliance with the permitted standards, contributing to a safer environment.

How to Obtain a PUC Certificate in Himachal Pradesh?

To obtain a pollution certificate in Himachal Pradesh is pretty simple. You are supposed to go to an authorised testing center to get one. Here's how you can request PUCC.

  1. Find a nearby emission testing centre. Using the Parivahan PUC portal, you can find emission test centres. Select "Himachal Pradesh" and RTO from the drop-down menu.

  2. Take your vehicle to the centre. Park your car in the place indicated by the person at the centre.

  3. The operator will put a test device into your exhaust pipe. It will measure pollutants, which are carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.

  4. In case the readings fall within the prescribed limits, the Centre generates your certificate. Pay the prescribed fee and collect the document.

Note:- The Registration Certificate of your vehicle is the only document you will need to get a PUC certificate Himachal Pradesh.

What is the Validity of PUCC in Himachal Pradesh?

For new vehicles, the certificate will be valid for 1 year from the date of issue. After that, you must get it renewed every 6 months. Vehicles conforming to BS-IV and BS-VI norms will have 12 months of validity under Rule 115 (7) of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules.

How to Download a PUC Certificate Online in Himachal Pradesh?

Follow the steps given below for the PUC certificate download.

  • Visit the Parivahan PUC Portal.

  • Click on "PUC Certificate" from the menu options.

  • Enter your vehicle registration number and the last five digits of your chassis number.

  • Type the captcha code, then click "PUC Details".

  • If your certificate is active, the system displays your emission test readings and vehicle details. Click "Print" for the PUCC download.

What are the Charges for a PUC Certificate in Himachal Pradesh?

The cost of obtaining a PUC certificate in Himachal Pradesh was revised in 2023. The updated fees are:

Before taking the test, you must confirm the latest fees at your chosen testing centre.

Note:- The charges are in accordance with recent state notifications and are subject to change based on the latest updates issued by the Himachal Pradesh Transportation Department.

Where Can I Get a List of PUC Centres in Himachal Pradesh?

There are a total of 490 approved emission testing centres across Himachal Pradesh's districts. Follow the steps given below to find centres near you:

  • Go to the PUC Centre List page on the Parivahan portal.
  • Pick "Himachal Pradesh" from the dropdown.
  • Select your jurisdictional RTO.
  • Active centres are listed on the portal with full addresses, including the types of vehicles they test. You can also download the list as a PDF from Parivahan's website for offline reference.

What is the Penalty for Driving Without a PUC in Himachal Pradesh?

Offence Private Vehicles (Non-Transport) Commercial Vehicles (Transport)
First offence ₹1,000 ₹1,500
Second or subsequent offence ₹2,000 ₹3,000

Is PUC Required for Vehicle Insurance in Himachal Pradesh?

According to the circular issued by the IRDAI in July 2018, a PUC certificate is required for the renewal of a motor vehicle's insurance. However, in a clarification published on 20th August 2020, IRDAI stated that the insurer cannot decline the claims simply because the policyholder did not hold a valid PUC certificate.

FAQs

How to get a PUC certificate in Himachal Pradesh?

Visit the existing 490 authorised emission centres in the state with your vehicle and the registration certificate. The technician will test your vehicle's emissions level. If it passes, you will get the pollution certificate.

What is the validity of the PUC certificate in Himachal Pradesh?

New vehicles get a one-year validity. Older vehicles receive a six-month validity. BS-IV and BS-VI-compliant vehicles have a 12-month validity.

Do vehicles in Himachal Pradesh require a PUCC?

Yes. Every vehicle registered in Himachal Pradesh must carry a valid PUC certificate after one year from the date of registration.

What if my car's PUCC has expired in Himachal Pradesh?

You must immediately renew your PUCC Himachal Pradesh. A 7-day grace period is permitted after expiry to avoid penalties.