As choking smog continues to blanket large parts of the country, air quality has once again become a matter of public concern. From metropolitan hubs to fast-growing urban centres, pollution levels have
spiked sharply, with vehicular emissions emerging as one of the biggest contributors. Against this backdrop, authorities are stepping up enforcement of pollution norms, making it increasingly important for vehicle owners to keep a close watch on their Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.
In recent weeks, social media has been abuzz with claims that the moment a PUC certificate expires, a challan is automatically issued, even if the vehicle is parked and not in use. With the traffic enforcement rapidly going digital, many motorists are unsure whether this is fact or fear-mongering. The reality, officials say, lies somewhere in between.
With the rollout of advanced surveillance and e-detection systems in several major cities, traffic enforcement is no longer limited to physical checks. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, installed at key junctions, toll plazas and even fuel stations, are now linked to transport department databases. These systems can instantly verify whether a vehicle’s documents, including PUC, are valid.
In cities where such systems are fully operational, an expired PUC can indeed trigger an automatic e-challan. If a vehicle with an invalid certificate passes through a monitored point and the data matches, the owner may receive a fine directly on their registered mobile number. In some cases, the penalty can go as high as Rs 10,000 under pollution control laws.
However, this is not a uniform practice across the country. In many towns and smaller cities, enforcement continues to rely largely on manual checks. Here, a challan is issued only if traffic police stop a vehicle and find that the PUC certificate has lapsed. The difference, officials explain, depends entirely on the level of digital integration in a particular city.
Some urban centres have gone a step further. In places like Pune, cameras installed at petrol pumps are being used to screen vehicles before refuelling. Vehicles flagged for expired PUC certificates can be automatically penalised, tightening compliance without direct human intervention.
The rules around PUC validity also vary depending on the age and emission standard of the vehicle. Newer vehicles compliant with BS-IV and BS-VI norms are generally issued PUC certificates valid for one year, starting from the date of registration. As vehicles age, the frequency of testing increases. Very old vehicles are required to undergo emission testing every six months, making timely renewal critical.
Authorities advise vehicle owners not to rely on assumptions or hearsay. The simplest way to stay compliant is to regularly check the status of the PUC certificate through the official Parivahan website or mobile application. By entering the vehicle registration number, owners can instantly see the expiry date and avoid last-minute surprises.
