MotorBabuPUC validity checker
When does your vehicle need its next pollution check? Enter when it was registered, its emission norm and your last PUC date.
PUC validity at a glance
| Vehicle | First PUC | After that, valid for |
|---|---|---|
| New vehicle (any norm) | 1 year after first registration | — |
| BS-VI or BS-IV | — | 12 months |
| BS-III and older | — | 6 months |
Source: Rule 115(7), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 (as read by the Kerala High Court). States sometimes issue shorter validity — the date printed on your certificate is what counts. A proposal to give new BS-VI vehicles longer validity is still a draft.
What happens if your PUC lapses
- A fine: up to ₹10,000 under Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act; many states challan ₹1,000 for a first offence.
- No fuel, in some cities: Delhi has enforced "no PUC, no fuel" at pumps.
- Insurance trouble: the IRDAI has asked insurers to check for a valid PUC at renewal.
A PUC test takes about five minutes at any authorised centre (most petrol pumps have one) and costs well under ₹200 for most cars and bikes.
Never miss a PUC date again
Add your vehicle to the MotorBabu app by its number plate — it fills in your PUC and insurance dates from the registration records, reminds you before they run out, and picks up the new date by itself after you renew.
Questions people ask
How long is a PUC certificate valid?
Under Rule 115(7) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, a new vehicle doesn't need a PUC for its first year after registration. After that, a PUC for a BS-IV or BS-VI vehicle is valid for 12 months, and for older vehicles 6 months. The validity printed on your certificate is what counts — some states have applied shorter periods.
What is the fine for driving without a valid PUC?
Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act allows a fine of up to ₹10,000 and/or up to 3 months in jail. In practice, many states challan ₹1,000 for a first offence and ₹2,000 for a repeat. Some cities also refuse fuel without a valid PUC.
My vehicle is new. When do I need the first PUC?
One year from the date of first registration. Until then the vehicle is covered by its type-approval. Note the date — it's easy to miss because nobody reminds you.
How do I know if my vehicle is BS-IV or BS-VI?
Your RC (registration certificate) usually lists the emission norm. Most vehicles registered from April 2020 are BS-VI; from April 2017 to March 2020 mostly BS-IV.
Is there a new 3-year PUC rule?
The government has proposed longer PUC validity for new BS-VI vehicles, but as a draft — until it's notified, the current periods apply. We'll update this page when it changes.
Can I check my PUC online?
You can check PUC details on the government's Parivahan / VAHAN services. The MotorBabu app reads your PUC date from the registration records when you add your vehicle by its number plate, and reminds you before it expires.