New Rule for Pollution Control:
- Video Recording of PUC Tests: To ensure stricter emission control and curb fraudulent practices, the government has made it mandatory to record videos of Pollution Under Control (PUC) tests for all vehicles whether two wheeler or four wheeler.
- Upload to VAHAN Portal: These videos will be uploaded to the government’s VAHAN portal before issuing PUC certificates.
According to the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, a vehicle owner must possess documents such as the car insurance policy, registration certificate, driving license, and PUC certificate The validity period of a PUC certificate for a new car and a new bike is one year, and post that, one must renew the pollution certificate every six months
Why the Mandate?
Prior to this rule, concerns surrounded the potential for fraudulent practices at some PUC centers. Vehicles might have passed the test without proper emission checks, leading to inaccurate assessments and higher air pollution levels.
Combating Fraud and Increasing Transparency:
The video recording requirement addresses these concerns by adding a layer of accountability and transparency. Here’s how it works:
- PUC Test Recording: During the test, the entire process, including the vehicle, its registration number, emission readings, and testing equipment, is captured on video.
- VAHAN Portal Upload: These video recordings are then uploaded to the government’s VAHAN portal, creating a digital record of each test.
- Certificate Issuance: Only after verifying the uploaded video and confirming accurate testing procedures is the PUC certificate issued.
It is important to note that brand new vehicles do not need a PUC certificate for the first two years However, after the initial two years, having a valid PUC certificate is mandatory, just like having valid insurance for the vehicle, the registration certificate, and a driving license. Additionally, a mandate by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority has made having a PUC certificate compulsory. Without a valid PUC certificate, a vehicle owner could be prosecuted under Section 190 (2) of the Motor Vehicle Act, and a first-time offense will attract a fine of ₹1000/- while a second-time offense will attract a fine of ₹2000/-
Finding Out More:
To stay updated on the specific implementation timeline in your area, you can:
- Contact your local transport authority: They can provide precise details on the rule’s application in your state or region.
- Check the VAHAN portal: The portal might display announcements or updates regarding the enforcement status.
- Inquire at PUC centers: They should be aware of the implementation timeline and its application in their location.
Moving Forward:
This new mandate signifies a positive step towards cleaner air and a more transparent vehicle emission testing system. By actively checking the implementation status in your area and cooperating with the process, you can contribute to making it a success.
Remember, even small measures can collectively make a significant difference in combating air pollution and ensuring a healthier environment for everyone.
Benefits of the New Mandate:
- Reduced Fraud: The video evidence makes it much harder for PUC centers to issue bogus certificates without proper testing.
- Improved Accuracy: By ensuring proper equipment usage and test procedures, the mandate helps ensure accurate emission assessments.
- Enhanced Air Quality: Accurate results lead to stricter emission control, ultimately contributing to cleaner air.
- Increased Accountability: Both PUC centers and vehicle owners become more accountable for adhering to proper testing procedures.
Key Points to Remember:
- The new mandate applies to all vehicles across the country.
- The VAHAN portal has been modified to accommodate video uploading.
- PUC centers have been granted access to upload videos seamlessly.
- Vehicle owners can expect a more transparent and reliable PUC testing process.