Maharashtra govt increases cost of pollution check certificate; check revised rates for petrol, diesel, CNG vehicles

The Maharashtra government has increased the Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate charges for petrol, CNG and diesel vehicles in the western state by 20 per cent, according to news agency PTI. The revised rates for two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers have come into effect immediately.

The cost of obtaining a PUC certificate in Maharashtra has been increased for different categories of vehicles.

For two-wheelers, the revised fee is ₹60, compared with ₹50 earlier. Owners of petrol-powered three-wheelers will now have to pay ₹120 for the test, up from ₹100.

The fee for petrol and CNG four-wheelers has been raised from ₹125 to ₹150. For diesel-powered vehicles, the charge has increased to ₹180 from the earlier ₹150.

PUC certificate mandatory for vehicles

A valid PUC certificate is compulsory for petrol, diesel and CNG vehicles under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. Vehicle owners are required to get their vehicles tested periodically to ensure compliance with prescribed emission standards.

Transport Department approves fee hike

The fee revision follows a request from the Maharashtra State PUC Centre Owners Association, which had sought an increase in testing charges.

The Transport Department subsequently formed a three-member committee to examine the demand. The panel reviewed PUC charges in other states and considered various other factors before recommending the revised rates, according to the department's release.

Centres told to display revised charges

PUC testing centres have been directed to prominently display the new fee structure so that vehicle owners can easily check the applicable charges.

Officials have also been instructed to ensure that all centres implement the revised rates uniformly and do not collect fees above the prescribed limits.

The department has further asked its 'Vayuveg' flying squads to intensify inspections and monitor testing centres to ensure compliance.

Fee hike amid pollution checks

The revision comes as Maharashtra authorities continue to strengthen enforcement of vehicular pollution norms. The move is particularly relevant in cities such as Mumbai and Pune, which frequently experience poor air quality during the winter months.

What is a PUC certificate?

PUC, or ‘Pollution under control’, certificate helps you know that your vehicle’s emissions are under control and the car is safe to be driven on roads.

You can get a PUC certificate from any authorised emissions testing centre. A PUC certificate confirms the amount of carbon monoxide emitted by a vehicle is within legally acceptable limits. This certificate is one of the primary documents required for driving around in the country.

When you buy a new car, the PUC certificate is valid for the first year. After that, you need to do a PUC check every three or six months, be it petrol or diesel cars. So, it is mandatory to get your vehicle’s pollution emission levels tested regularly in order to renew the PUC certificate.