Bengaluru: Vehicle owners in Karnataka will now have to pay more for obtaining a Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC), with the state govt revising emission testing charges across all vehicle categories.The revised rates were notified by the transport department on Aug 13 following representations from operators of emission testing centres, who sought a fee revision citing rising operational costs. The charges were last revised in April 2022.Under the new rates, the PUCC fee for two-wheelers has been increased by Rs 15, while the charge for autorickshaws has gone up by Rs 5. For petrol, LPG and CNG-powered four-wheelers, the fee has been increased by Rs 35. The charge for diesel vehicles across categories has been raised by Rs 40.Operators of emission testing centres had told the department that the charges had remained unchanged for several years despite rising expenses on fuel, rent, internet services, equipment maintenance, electricity and staff salaries.Stricter testing normsAlong with revising the fees, the transport department has issued directions to ensure proper functioning of emission testing centres. Gas analysers used for testing must be recalibrated regularly, with the date of the latest calibration prominently displayed for vehicle owners. The department has also prohibited handwritten entries on PUCC certificates. A certificate can be issued only if the vehicle’s emissions are within the permissible limits prescribed under Rule 115 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules-1989.The PUCC will remain valid for 12 months from the date of issue for Bharat Stage-IV and Bharat Stage-VI vehicles. Testing centres have been directed to maintain adequate space and facilities for emission testing and equipment maintenance. Their licences must be displayed prominently at the premises where customers can easily see them.The department has also made it mandatory for all certificates issued by testing centres to carry a hologram, aimed at preventing irregularities and improving the authenticity of PUCC certificates.Inset Box: How much it costVehicle category Old and new feeTwo –wheelers Rs 65 to Rs 80Autos – Rs 75 to Rs 80Four-wheelers (Petrol, CNG, PNG) from Rs 115 to 150For all types of diesel vehicles – Rs 160 to 200
