Why Is The PUC Certificate Important During Bike Insurance Renewal?

Imagine cruising down a sun-kissed road on your bike and the world blurs into a stunning panorama around you. But amidst this exhilaration, have you ever thought about how your two-wheeled companion impacts the environment? As responsible riders, we need to acknowledge our role in preserving the planet while indulging in our passion. And that's where the importance of a PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate for bike insurance renewal takes centre stage.

In this article, we’ll explore how this document can protect the environment and its role during policy renewal.

First, What is PUC?

PUC stands for Pollution Under Control. A PUC certificate validates that your bike's emissions are within the permissible limits set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India. To obtain this certificate, your bike needs to undergo an emission test at authorised PUC centres.

The PUC certificate contains the following information –

• The serial number of your certificate
• Your scooter/bike's registration number
• Date of the emission test
• PUC test validity date

Why is the PUC Test Necessary for Bike Insurance?

It is no secret that bikes, with their small roaring engines, emit pollutants that can have detrimental effects on both the environment and public health. Despite their smaller size, bikes can produce higher emissions relative to their engine capacity. So, it is crucial to monitor and regulate their pollution levels.

Recognising this issue, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority has made it mandatory for vehicle owners in India to obtain a PUC certificate when purchasing or renewing their bike insurance policy. This certificate serves as a validation that the vehicle's emission levels adhere to the established pollution norms.

The PUC certificate plays a pivotal role in determining the amount of carbon emissions your bike produces. As we all know, carbon emissions are one of the primary contributors to the escalating air pollution crisis. By ensuring that your bike complies with the pollution standards, you are contributing to curbing this environmental menace.

The validity of a PUC certificate for a new bike lasts for one year. However, once that period elapses, the renewed PUC certificate remains valid for six months. It serves as a constant reminder for bike owners, urging them to be vigilant and ensure that their bike’s emissions are well-regulated.
 

Consequences Of Not Having a PUC Certificate

In India, driving a vehicle without a valid PUC Certificate is a legal offence under The Motor Vehicles Act.

Failure to comply with this requirement can result in penalties as per Section 190 (2) of the Act. For the first offence, the penalty stands at Rs. 1,000, while for subsequent offences, it increases to Rs. 2,000.

It is important to note that penalty amounts may vary across different states.

How Do You Apply For A PUC Certificate?

Obtaining a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate for your vehicle is a simple process. Here's a step-by-step guide –

• Locate the Nearest Emission Testing Centre
  You need to take your vehicle to a certified emission testing centre in your vicinity. Here are the places where you can obtain your certificate –
  • Fuel stations across the country equipped with emission testing centres.
  • Authorised Emission Testing Centres that have computerised testing equipment.
  • Licensed Standalone Testing Centres.
     
• Emission Analysis
  The operator at the testing centre will perform an exhaust emission analysis. They will insert a testing device into the exhaust pipe of your vehicle to measure the exhaust emission.
   
• Generation of PUC Certificate
  Based on the emission readings of your vehicle, the operator will issue a PUC certificate for it. This certificate serves as proof of whether your vehicle's emissions are within the permissible limits set by the authorities.
   
• Payment and Collection
  Next, you need to pay the applicable fees for the emission test and certificate. Once the payment is made, you will receive the pollution certificate.
   

To conclude,

Besides being a mandatory requirement, a PUC Certificate also plays a vital role in advocating for a cleaner and healthier environment. Getting a PUC Certificate is a simple process that can be done at various authorised emission testing centres or fuel stations with emission testing facilities. Please remember that a valid PUC certificate is necessary to renew your bike insurance policy.