Repeat PUC Violations: Vehicle pollution has become a growing concern across Indian cities, and state governments are increasingly tightening enforcement around emission and fitness norms.
The latest warning comes from Odisha, where authorities have made it clear that repeatedly flouting Pollution Under Control (PUC) rules could now result in cancellation of a vehicle’s Registration Certificate (RC).
This is a significant escalation from routine fines and signals a tougher approach to compliance.
Also Read: Hyundai Bayon-Based Compact SUV Spotted Testing in India, Launch by 2026
What the Odisha Government Has Announced
Speaking at a recent press briefing, Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, Odisha’s Transport Minister, stated that vehicles operating without valid PUC and fitness certificates will face immediate action. According to him, the transport department has the authority to seize such vehicles and cancel their RCs if owners continue to ignore the law.
The minister stressed that the government is seeking public cooperation, but warned that repeated defiance would leave authorities with no option but to take strict steps, including deregistration of vehicles.
Why the Government Is Taking a Harder Line
The warning follows data presented in the Odisha Assembly highlighting widespread non-compliance. A large number of buses operated by educational institutions were found to be running without valid fitness certificates. Even in Bhubaneswar, several school and college buses were flagged for lacking mandatory documentation.
According to the transport department, daily enforcement drives are already underway across the state, with officials issuing e-challans to violators. Despite this, many vehicle owners have continued to operate without valid PUC or fitness certificates, prompting the government to consider stronger deterrents.
What Happens If You’re Caught Without a Valid PUC
Under the current warning, vehicles found operating without valid pollution or fitness certificates can be seized on the spot. In cases of repeated violations or refusal to comply, the transport department can proceed with cancelling the RC, effectively making the vehicle illegal for road use.
This is a major shift from earlier enforcement, where most violations were handled through monetary penalties alone.
Clarification on Fines and Toll Enforcement
The minister also clarified that toll plazas in Odisha are not currently authorised to issue challans for PUC-related violations. In fact, the e-detection system at toll gates has been suspended.
Separately, the state government has proposed reducing fines related to pollution certificate violations. The suggestion is to lower the penalty from ₹10,000 to ₹1,000 for two-wheelers and ₹2,000 for other vehicles. This proposal came after public backlash when strict enforcement led to widespread dissatisfaction among motorists.
Enforcement Drives to Resume From April
Odisha plans to restart statewide enforcement drives from April 1. These were paused late last year following protests against the “No PUCC, No Fuel” initiative, under which fuel stations could deny petrol or diesel to vehicles without a valid pollution certificate.
While that specific measure is currently on hold, authorities have indicated that regular checks will resume with renewed focus.
How This Compares With Other States
Odisha is not alone in tightening emission rules. In Delhi NCR, vehicles must carry a valid PUC, and petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years are deemed unfit for road use.
The broader trend suggests that compliance with emission and fitness norms will only become stricter over time.
What Vehicle Owners Should Do Now
For vehicle owners, the message is clear. Ensure that your PUC and fitness certificates are valid and renewed on time. Ignoring these requirements is no longer just a matter of paying a fine; it could now mean losing your vehicle’s registration altogether.
Conclusion- Repeat PUC Violations
The Odisha government’s warning marks a tougher phase in pollution enforcement, moving beyond penalties to potential RC cancellation for Repeat PUC Violations offenders. As air quality concerns grow, similar measures could be adopted by other states as well.
For Indian motorists, staying compliant with PUC and fitness norms is becoming essential not just for the environment, but also to retain legal ownership and road access.
Disclaimer: This article (Repeat PUC Violations) is based on official statements and publicly available information at the time of publication. Enforcement procedures and penalty structures may be subject to change as per government notifications.
Also Read: KTM 250 Adventure Free Accessories Worth Rs 12,748 + 10-Year Warranty Offer
Raj Prajapati is a senior automobile content writer at How2Guidess.in with over 3 years of experience in auto news, vehicle launches, comparisons, and EV updates. With a background in Computer Science & Engineering, he focuses on research-based, clear, and reader-friendly automobile content.