Overview
- The government has proposed a draft package called 'PUCC 3.0' that would extend Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC) validity to three years for private BS‑VI cars that are up to six years old, according to media reports on Tuesday.
- Under the same proposal, BS‑VI vehicles aged six to ten years would need annual renewals and those older than ten years would require checks every six months.
- Commercial BS‑VI vehicles up to six years old would get two‑year PUCs while commercial vehicles over six years would follow the corresponding private‑vehicle schedule.
- The plan would tighten checks for older models by moving BS‑IV cars to six‑monthly tests and making BS‑I to BS‑III vehicles renew every three months, and officials say PUC testing procedures will be strengthened to prevent manipulation of readings.
- The proposal has drawn mixed reactions from former transport officials who welcomed looser rules for cleaner cars but warned real‑world emissions depend on maintenance; the measures remain reported plans and must be finalised through a formal government notification.