Uniform PUC certificate for all vehicles across India soon
In a new initiative, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is looking to introduce uniform pollution under control (PUC) certificate for all vehicles across India. As per reports, these centralized PUC certificates will be issued soon and will come with a QR code to avoid tampering and carrying important details.
The QR code on the PUC certificates will have information the owner, the vehicle and its emission status. The ministry has issued a draft notification proposing these changes and will assess suggestions and objections from stakeholders. Meanwhile, the Ministry has already proposed changes to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules to accommodate these new PUC certificates.
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This centralized process will bring with it some measures to reduce vehicle theft and more effective pollution control. One such measure will be provision for a system generated SMS to the registered mobile number of the owner before getting the PUC done. This system will also help in reducing vehicle thefts which can be detected when taken to testing centres for procurement of a PUC certificate. A uniform format of the PUC certificates has been proposed for linking the PUC database with the national register.
The government has also planned to begin issuing rejection slips for the first time, specifying the reason for rejection. The rejection slip will also include where the engine emission values exceed the limits set under the CMVR. Under the new proposal, an enforcement officer can direct the owner or person-in charge of the vehicle to take steps to meet the set emission limits. The communication needs to be made in writing or via electronic mediums. If the driver or person-in-charge of the vehicle fails to submit the vehicle compliance certificate, he/she shall be liable for plenty under the provisions of Motor Vehicle Act. The owner can face up to three months of jail or up to 10,000 fine and cancellation of driving licence for three months.
