K'taka transport dept hikes emission testing fees, issues strict rules for PUCC centres

Bengaluru, Aug 16: The state transport department has announced a hike in vehicle emission testing fees and issued strict guidelines for pollution testing centres to ensure transparency in the issuance of Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC).

The revised testing fees, which come into effect immediately, are as follows:

• Two-wheelers: Increased from Rs 65 to Rs 80

• Auto-rickshaws: Increased from Rs 75 to Rs 80

• Petrol, LPG, and CNG-powered cars: Increased from Rs 115 to Rs 150

• Diesel-powered vehicles: Increased from Rs 160 to Rs 200

Alongside the fee revision, the transport department has mandated several strict rules for the testing centres to curb irregularities and effectively enforce vehicle emission controls.

It is now mandatory to regularly calibrate the gas analyzers used for testing. The date of the equipment's last calibration must be clearly displayed at the centre for vehicle owners to see. Furthermore, testing centres must have adequate space and infrastructure for conducting tests and maintaining equipment. The centre's license must also be displayed in a prominent, easily visible location.

The department has strictly prohibited handwritten entries on the PUCC. Certificates must be issued only after confirming that the vehicle's emissions are well within the limits prescribed under Rule 115 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

Additionally, the certificate must clearly indicate its validity period and feature a mandatory hologram. For Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) and Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) vehicles, the issued PUCC will be valid for a period of 12 months.