Driving Without PUCC Fine: What You’ll Pay In Every Indian State

Most Indian car and bike owners know they need a pollution certificate—but don’t really worry about it until they get fined. For many, the Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) is just one more piece of paper gathering dust in the glovebox. But in 2025, ignoring it is no longer a casual oversight. States across India have tightened enforcement, using number plate recognition, CCTV cameras, and AI-driven systems to catch violators.

The fine for driving without PUCC is consistent in most states—₹1,000—but don’t let that make you think it’s harmless. Repeat offenses can attract harsher penalties and may even affect your vehicle’s registration status. The government is serious about cracking down on polluting vehicles, and skipping your PUC check might lead to more than just a challan. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about driving without a valid PUCC and how to pay off fines, if any.

State-wise Driving Without PUCC Fine In India

As of 2025, the penalty for driving without PUCC is ₹1,000 in most Indian states, as per the Motor Vehicles Act. Some states also impose a ₹2,000 fine for repeat offenders. Here’s a quick look at how different states handle it:

Driving Without PUCC Fine in Delhi

Delhi is strict about PUCC enforcement. A first offense costs ₹1,000, while repeat violations cost ₹2,000. Automated number plate readers and roadside emissions testing make it hard to escape scrutiny. Delhi also links the PUC status with fuel purchase—some stations refuse service without a valid certificate. If you’ve been fined, you can easily pay your challan in Delhi via the CARS24 portal.

Driving Without PUCC Fine in Maharashtra

Maharashtra imposes ₹1,000 for a first-time PUCC lapse, and ₹2,000 for a repeat. In cities like Mumbai and Pune, traffic officials use mobile vans for spot-checks. Several petrol pumps also conduct surprise verification drives to check for valid PUC documents. You can check your challan status in Maharashtra online.

Driving Without PUCC Fine in Karnataka

Bengaluru has doubled down on enforcing emission rules. If you’re caught driving without a PUC certificate, expect a ₹1,000 fine the first time, and ₹2,000 the next. Police often scan license plates at signals and verify vehicle compliance in real time. If you’ve been fined, you can check your challan status in Karnataka online and pay it there itself.

Driving Without PUCC Fine in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu keeps it simple with a flat ₹1,000 fine—whether it’s your first or fifth offense. But don’t take it lightly. Chennai has ramped up digital surveillance and mobile PUC vans now patrol IT corridors and highways regularly. Check your challan status in Tamil Nadu for updates.

Driving Without PUCC Fine in Uttar Pradesh

UP levies ₹1,000 for all offenses, but is slowly adopting a stricter stance. In Noida and Lucknow, automated challan systems and roadside PUC testing zones are becoming more common, especially near toll plazas and high-traffic areas. You can check your challan status in Uttar Pradesh anytime online.

Driving Without PUCC Fine in Gujarat

Ahmedabad and Vadodara are now enforcing stricter PUC compliance, with ₹1,000 for a first offense and ₹2,000 for repeat ones. Some RTOs even send SMS alerts when your certificate is about to expire. If you've been fined, pay your challan in Gujarat easily online.

Driving Without PUCC Fine in West Bengal

West Bengal fines you ₹1,000 the first time and ₹1,500 after that. Kolkata Police frequently carry out joint inspections with pollution control boards near bridges and arterial roads. To stay updated, check your challan status in West Bengal.

Driving Without PUCC Fine in Rajasthan

In Rajasthan, a first-time offense for driving without PUCC sets you back ₹1,000, while repeat violations cost ₹2,000. Jaipur uses smart cameras at key junctions that flag non-compliant vehicles instantly. You can check your challan status online in Rajasthan.

Driving Without PUCC Fine in Telangana

Telangana sticks to the ₹1,000 / ₹2,000 rule. Hyderabad’s RTO conducts regular PUC drives at malls, IT hubs, and metro stations. The state has even introduced mobile PUC vans that issue certificates on the spot. Pay your challan in Telangana online to avoid late fees.

Driving Without PUCC Fine in Kerala

Kerala fines ₹1,000 for first-timers, and ₹1,500 thereafter. Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram have adopted digital fine collection tools and issue real-time alerts if your PUC has expired. Check your challan status in Kerala online if you’ve received a fine.

Driving Without PUCC Section of the Motor Vehicles Act

The driving without PUCC fine falls under Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act. This rule states that driving a vehicle that does not meet prescribed emission norms is a punishable offense. That includes not having a valid PUCC or driving a vehicle that fails the pollution test.

This section was toughened in the 2019 amendment, reflecting the government’s zero-tolerance stance on vehicular emissions. Authorities have linked PUCC databases with RTO servers, meaning even minor lapses now get flagged automatically. And if you're thinking about just getting a fake certificate—don’t. Falsification or tampering attracts criminal charges under additional IPC sections.

So the takeaway is simple: no PUCC, no excuse. And no escape.

How to Pay the Fine For Driving Without PUCC in India

Paying your fine for driving without a PUCC is now easier than ever. If you receive an e-challan, you can pay for it using either a central platform or your state’s dedicated website.

To pay via Parivahan:

1. Go to echallan.parivahan.gov.in
    
2. Click on “Check Challan Status”
    
3. Enter your vehicle number and CAPTCHA
    
4. Review the challan details\
    
5. Pay online using UPI, debit card, or internet banking
    
6. Save or download the receipt
    

You can also use the CARS24 platform to settle your challan. Just go to the website, enter your vehicle registration number, and check for any pending fines. The site shows real-time challan data from all major state RTOs. Payment takes less than 2 minutes, and you’ll receive instant confirmation via email or SMS.

Why you Shouldn’t Ignore the PUCC Rule

Skipping your PUC check might seem harmless, but it comes with consequences. Not only are you risking a driving without PUC certificate fine, but repeated violations may lead to license suspension. Many states now use point-based systems, where each PUCC violation adds penalty points to your driving record.

If you cross a certain threshold—usually 12 points—your license could be blocked or suspended. Moreover, insurance companies are increasingly checking compliance history. If your vehicle has repeated PUC fines, they might reject claims related to engine or emission damage.

So, renewing your PUCC isn’t just about avoiding a fine. It helps you keep your driving record clean and your insurance valid.

What to do if you’ve Lost Your PUC Certificate

If your PUC certificate is missing or damaged, don’t panic. You don’t need to take another test immediately. Visit the testing center where your PUCC was originally issued, and ask for a duplicate. Most centres keep digital records and can reprint your certificate for a small fee.

Alternatively, if your PUCC was issued online or via a government-approved kiosk, you can log in to the Parivahan portal and download a soft copy. Make sure to save it to your phone or cloud storage—you’ll need it if you’re ever pulled over.

How to Avoid PUCC Fines Altogether

Here are some practical tips to avoid driving without PUCC fine:

• Set a phone reminder every six months to renew your PUCC.
   
• Get the test done during your regular service visits.
   
• Avoid unauthorized centers—only use RTO-approved kiosks.
   
• Ask your fuel station if they offer on-the-spot PUCC tests.
   
• Keep a soft copy in your DigiLocker or cloud folder.

Conclusion

The era of ignoring pollution certificates is over. With better tech, more surveillance, and tighter laws, even a single lapse can lead to a driving without PUCC fine. Every state is now on high alert, and you’re never too far from a camera or an e-challan van.

Skip the stress. Renew your PUCC on time. And if you’ve already been fined, settle it right away—either on Parivahan or via CARS24. Don’t let a ₹1,000 fine balloon into a suspended license or a rejected insurance claim.