After about 13 years, the Delhi government has raised the charges for Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates for petrol, CNG, and diesel vehicles.
Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot announced the change on July 11, 2024, stating, "The Delhi government is dedicated to preserving the city's air quality and ensuring all vehicles comply with pollution standards."
Old Vs New Charges?
From Rs 60 to Rs 80 for two- and three-wheelers, and from Rs 80 to Rs 110 for four-wheelers, the fees for the certificate have gone up. A hike of Rs 40 can be seen for diesel vehicles which now cost Rs 140 instead of the previous Rs 100.
Check the table below to get a better understanding of the hike in the prices:
| Vehicle Type | Previous Fee (Rs) | New Fee (Rs) | Price Hiked By (Rs) |
| Two-wheelers | 60 | 80 | 20↑ |
| Three-wheelers | 60 | 80 | 20↑ |
| Four-wheelers | 80 | 110 | 30↑ |
| Diesel vehicles | 100 | 140 | 40↑ |
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What is PUC Certificate?
A PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate is an essential document for car and bike owners in India. It confirms that your vehicle meets the required emission standards.
As per the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, every vehicle in India must get a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate within one year of registration. For BS-IV-compliant four-wheelers, the certificate remains valid for one year, while for other vehicles, it is valid for three months.
Who Issues PUC Certificate?
The PUC Certificate is provided by authorized emission testing centers nationwide. It involves a detailed examination of the vehicle's exhaust emissions, with the test results documented in the vehicle's pollution certificate.
One can get a PUC Certificate for their vehicle either by visiting the nearest emission testing center or by applying online at the VAHAN (Parivahan) portal.
When were the Last Changes Done?
The last time Delhi increased charges for PUC certification was in 2011. However, fines for vehicles lacking a PUC certificate have risen significantly over time. Vehicle owners without a valid certificate now face imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to Rs 10,000, or both, under the Motor Vehicles Act.
According to a 2023 report from the Times of India citing data from the transport department, more than 85% of vehicles without PUC certificates on Delhi's streets are two-wheelers.
How Many Vehicles Does Delhi Have?
The Delhi Statistical Handbook 2023 reports that the capital has a total of 79,45,596 registered vehicles, including 20,71,115 cars and jeeps, 52,94,900 motorcycles and scooters, 93,654 auto rickshaws, and 83,278 taxis.
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