Delhi has made its ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule permanent, strictly checking vehicles that do not meet emission norms. The move comes as the city continues to battle poor air quality, with vehicular emissions taking a major part, especially during the winter months. By linking fuel access to emissions compliance, officials are now emphasizing strict, daily enforcement rather than occasional drives. So, what does this mean for you as a car owner? Simply put, if your vehicle does not have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, you may not be able to refuel. Petrol pumps across the city have been directed to digitally check PUC status before dispensing fuel. If the certificate is expired or missing, fuel may be refused until it is renewed.
The system is mostly technology based. Fuel stations are connected to a centralized database that allows them to verify PUC details in real time. This reduces the need for manual checking and ensures that the rules are consistently followed across all locations. This rule applies to all internal combustion engine vehicles in Delhi. This includes private cars, two-wheelers and commercial vehicles. Older vehicles, which are more likely to emit more, can be the most affected if not properly maintained. If you want to avoid the pain, there are a few simple steps you can take. You can regularly check the validity of your PUC and renew it before it expires. Having a digital or physical copy on hand can also help if needed. Because getting a PUC certificate is quick and inexpensive, it’s relatively easy to stay compliant.
