It refers to a document which is mandatory for all on-road vehicles like two-wheelers, four-wheelers and other commercial vehicles. This document or certificate is issued after thoroughly checking a vehicle on standard parameters. The emissions test is conducted for petrol vehicles and free acceleration smoke test is conducted for diesel vehicles.

The validity of PUC certificate is three to six months. The certificate is issued by the transport department of a state. If the vehicle owner is not carrying the PUC certificate while driving then he or she may be punished under Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act.