Driving Without PUC Challan in India: Penalties You Should Know

When you think about the list of documents you simply cannot drive without, the Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate ranks lower than driving license, insurance or RC for most. But driving without PUC certificate is just as illegal and with the government stepping up efforts to curb pollution levels, carrying a valid PUC certificate is an absolute must.

According to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, all vehicles on the Indian roads are supposed to possess a valid, up-to-date PUC certificate. In case you are found without one, you may be imposed with heavy fines and in some instances even jail time. However, it is not only about the fine, driving without a PUC may result in an invalid insurance in case of a claim, and that’s a risk smart drivers try to steer clear of.

What Is a PUC Certificate?

A Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is a document that certifies that your vehicle’s emission levels are within the limits as set by the law. The test is carried out with special equipment that measures the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and other harmful gases that your vehicle is releasing from the exhaust.

It applies to:

• Petrol, diesel, and CNG vehicles
• Two-wheelers, cars, autos, and trucks
• Private and commercial vehicles alike

Once you pass the test, you get a printed certificate with:

• Your vehicle number 
• PUC test readings
• Validity period (usually 6 months or 1 year, depending on vehicle type)

Pro tip: When you are renewing your motor insurance, you are also needed to produce a valid PUC. In its absence, insurers might deny any claims based on accidents or compliance involving pollution.

What Happens If You’re Caught Without a PUC?

Being pulled over by the traffic police during routine checks is never a good experience. Unlike driving without license, flouting PUC norms is generally noticeable on the road as your vehicle emits more smoke than usual. It may prompt transport officers to single you out and ask you for a PUC certificate. Failing to produce it will result in the issuance of a challan. The officer may access your past records digitally using your vehicle number for existing challans. If you’re found to be a repeat offender or have many outstanding challans, your vehicle may be detained or reported to the RTO.

Fine for Driving Without PUC in India

Road rules got tougher in 2025. Under the Motor Vehicles Act (amended 2019) and the new enforcement drive effective March/August 2025:

Heads up: In many metro cities, states like Delhi, Bihar, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and UP have rolled out PUC scanners and ANPR cameras that pick up expired certificates in real-time, and there's zero room for slipping through when driving without PUC.

Why Does This Matter Now?

• Fines multiplied: From ₹1,000/₹2,000 earlier to ₹10,000 across the board.
• Jail time introduced: Up to 6 months, not just a fine.
• Cam-driven enforcement: No more hiding under the radar.

The system is end-to-end computerised in metro cities such as Delhi. And if you’re driving without PUC, there is a chance that you may receive an eChallan without being physically stopped by the police, courtesy of remote traffic supervision.

How to Pay Challan for Driving Without PUC Online?

Whether you received a digital notice or a physical slip, you can easily pay challan online using verified portals or the official government platform. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to echallan.parivahan.gov.in.
2. Select “Check Challan Status”. 
3. Enter your vehicle number or challan number.
4. View the offence details.
5. Pay the fine using UPI, card, or net banking.
6. Download the payment receipt for your records.

In many cities, officers carry handheld eChallan machines. If your PUC has expired, they might ask you to pay the fine on the spot via digital methods like Google Pay or PhonePe. Make sure to always collect a receipt (digital or printed) as proof.

Where to Get a PUC Test & How Much It Costs?

Getting a PUC is quick, affordable, and often completed in under 10 minutes. You’ll find test centres at:

• Petrol pumps (most major stations have them)
• Authorised emission testing centres
• RTO-approved mobile vans

Cost of a PUC test:

• Two-wheelers: ₹60–₹80
• Petrol cars: ₹80–₹100
• Diesel vehicles: ₹100–₹150

Once the test is done, you’ll receive a printed certificate with a QR code. It’s also updated in the VAHAN database, which police can check in real-time.

 Validity:

• New vehicles: 1 year
• Others: 6 months (retest needed twice a year)

Why Driving Without PUC Is a Bigger Problem Than You Think?

This isn’t just about avoiding a fine. By not having a valid PUC, you might be having a car that is polluting more than it is supposed to, adding to the air pollution problem that India is currently battling. It also gives warning signs on the engine condition and fuel consumption of your vehicle.

Here’s what is at stake:

• No insurance claims: Insurers may deny coverage if you don’t have a valid PUC at the time of an accident.
• Legal risk: Repeat offences could land you in court and impact your vehicle’s registration status.
• Environmental damage: You’re harming public health, and that has long-term consequences.

The ₹10,000 fine and possible jail time are honestly just the beginning of your troubles if your vehicle is releasing excess emissions.

Final Thoughts: Keep That PUC Updated

Now let us be real, a PUC does not take more than 10 minutes and costs you much less than your coffee runs. However, driving without PUC may end up costing you much more in fines and insurance issues, besides increasing your carbon footprint. The PUC test should become a regular practice, just like an oil change or tyre check. It is one of the simplest methods to be on the right side of the law and do your bit for the planet.