All About Two Wheeler Emissions Test in India

Two-wheelers produce a lot of hazardous smoke while operating on the roadways, and if these emissions are not controlled, they can seriously affect the environment. To determine if the harmful gases emitted from a vehicle are within the allowed limit or not, emission tests are carried out. During the test, the experts compare the levels of CO and other hydrocarbons in ppm to the predetermined standards. to make sure the pollutants that the cars on the road release don't go above the allowed limit.

A Pollution Under Control certificate is given to the owner of a two-wheeler once it passes the emission test. According to Indian Motor Vehicle regulations, all two-wheeler drivers must have this legal paperwork on them at all times while operating their vehicles.

The PUC Certificate includes information such as the certificate's serial number, the vehicle's license plate number, the testing date, the expiration date, emission readings, and more. When renewing two-wheeler insurance, it is also required by law in some places in India to present a PUC certificate.

What Information Does a PUC Certificate Provide?

PUC is the mark of certification that your two-wheeler has undergone an emission test and passed it successfully. It contains the following vital information:

1. The license plate number of the two-wheeler
2. The serial number of the PUC certificate
3. The date when the two-wheeler was tested
4. The date when the two-wheeler was tested
5. The date of expiry of the PUC Certificate

Two-Wheeler Emission Test Criteria In India

The hydrocarbon and carbon emissions criteria must be met in order for two-wheelers to clear the test and they are mentioned below: 

Cost of a Two-Wheeler Emission Test

The cost of conducting an emission test is nominal. It may range between Rs.60 to Rs.100 depending on the two-wheeler that is being tested and the type of fuel it uses.

Emission Test Procedure

During an emission test, the parts per million of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons released are measured to see whether or not they fall within the permissible emission criteria. Bike and scooter owners who successfully complete an emission test are given PUC certifications right there where the test is being conducted.

If necessary, the testing facility will prepare the vehicle for the emission test before it begins. The two-accelerator wheeler's is fully depressed while measuring the exhaust emissions of diesel automobiles, and the readings of the pollution levels are closely monitored. The procedure is done five times, or "test cycles," and the final result is calculated using the average of all the readings. For gasoline-powered cars, the two-wheeler is left in idle mode without applying the accelerator while the emissions are being measured, and the results are recorded. There is only one reading taken, and it is the last reading.

Emission Test Certification

After a two-wheeler successfully passes the emission test, it is granted an authorized certification in the form of a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. This document certifies that the emissions passed from the vehicle are under control and in compliance with the standard pollution control norms and will not cause any damage to the environment.

Details Present on PUC Certificate 

The different details that are present on the PUC certificate are mentioned below: 

1. Emission readings 
2. Expiry date 
3. Date the emission test was taken 
4. Registration number of the vehicle 
5. Serial number 

Validity of PUC Certificate 

From the date the two-wheeler has been registered, the PUC is valid for one year. You will need to do an emission test every six months after the first year. In case negative readings are observed, the validity of the certificate will be based on those readings. 

Process to Get a PUC Certificate 

You will need to visit a petrol pump that has the necessary testing devices to get the emission test done. You can also visit an independent centre that conducts these tests. 

Tips to Prepare your Two-Wheeler for Passing an Emission Test 

The main purpose of an emission test is to keep the air clean and ensure that your vehicle is in the right condition to reduce pollution. Hence, it is important to prepare your two-wheeler before taking it for an emission test. 

Here are a few tips to prepare your scooter/bike for passing an emission test successfully: 

1. Warm up your Two-Wheeler's Engine: A heated engine burns more hydrocarbons and typically runs cleaner than a cold engine. Therefore, ride around in your two-wheeler for at least twenty minutes prior to the test to fully warm up the engine. To prevent the engine from shutting off and cooling off before the test, schedule an appointment with the testing facility. 
2. Tune Up your Vehicle: Examine the engine oil, oil filter, spark plugs, and other components to see if anything needs to be cleaned, fixed, or replaced. During the test, make sure the components are in a functional state. 

If any of the engine's electric parts are malfunctioning, your car won't be able to burn fuel efficiently, which will cause more pollutants to build up in the exhaust. 

1. Check for Gas Cap Leakage: A leaking gas cap can be the reason of your vehicle failing an emission test. Check for any gas leak and if there is any replace it with one that properly seals the tank. 
2. Examine the 'Check Engine' Light: Failure may result if the "Check Engine" light is left on throughout the emission test. When there is an engine issue that can affect vehicle emissions, the "Check Engine Light" will alert the driver. 

Therefore, if your engine light is on, either your engine is having a problem or the light isn't working properly. Take it to a repair facility in such situations and have the malfunction's root cause fixed. You can also dim the light briefly before the test as an alternative. 

1. Change Engine Oil: There are chances of carbon building up in the engine oil as a result of contamination and this may lead to higher emissions during the test. Hence, before the test consider changing the engine oil to ensure cleaner combustion. 
2. Get the Vehicle Inspected: Before taking your two-wheeler for an emission test, get it inspected by a professional motor mechanic. This will help you to know which parts need to be repaired or replaced. 

Once your two-wheeler has successfully passed an emission test and you have received a PUC certificate, make sure to have it with you at all times when operating the vehicle on the road. If someone else is using your car instead of you, they should also have possession of it. 

Additionally, make sure the PUC certificate is current. Before you travel on the road after it expires, get an emission test done at the closest gas station or other independent facility and receive a fresh certificate.