The Union Ministry of Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has released a notification regarding a common format for the PUC (Pollution Under Control) Certificate to be issued across the country. The circular was released under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules of 1989.
Under this notification, there will be a Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC) format introduced, linking the PUC database with the National Register for the vehicles across the country. Based on the emission norms, the new concept of ‘Rejection slip’ is being included if the vehicle’s test result value is more than the maximum permissible value. This process is introduced for the first time ever and the slip will be handed over to the vehicle’s owner. The document can be shown at any service centre for getting the vehicle checked or can be used, in case the PUCC centre device is not working properly when tested at another centre.
The following details are kept confidential, (i) Vehicle owner’s mobile number, name and address (ii) engine number and chassis number (only the last four digits to be visible, the other digits shall be masked). However, the vehicle owner’s mobile number should be provided, to which an SMS alert will be sent for validation and fee.
If the motor vehicle is not complying with provisions of Emission standards, the enforcement officer may communicate in writing or through electronic mode to direct the driver or vehicle’s owner to submit the vehicle for conducting the test in any one of the authorized Pollution Under Control (PUC) testing centers. Also if the driver or person in-charge of the vehicle fails to submit the vehicle for compliance or the vehicle fails to comply, the owner of the vehicle shall be liable for payment of penalty.
Following, the registering authority shall, for reasons to be recorded in writing, suspend the vehicle registration certificate and any permit granted, until such time a valid “Pollution under Control” certificate is generated, If the owner fails to comply with the above mentioned procedure.
Thus, enforcement would be IT-enabled and would help in better control over polluting vehicles. The QR code printed on the form contains the complete information about the PUC Centre.
