PUCC Rules / Pollution Certificate Penalties Reduced across Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Sept 2: Responding to long‑standing demands and widespread discontent, the Odisha government has reduced fines for vehicles lacking Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC).

Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena announced the revised penalty structure in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.

Under the new rules, two‑wheelers caught without a valid PUCC will face a fine of ₹1,000 for the first offence and ₹2,000 for the second. Three‑wheelers will be penalized at the same rates.

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For tractors and trailers, the fine is ₹2,000 for the first violation and ₹5,000 for repeat offences. Other vehicles, including cars and heavy vehicles, will attract ₹3,000 for the first offence and ₹6,000 for the second.

Previously, Odisha had imposed a maximum fine of ₹10,000 for PUCC violations, making it the second state after Delhi to enforce such a steep penalty.

The move had triggered sharp criticism, with motorists alleging exploitation. Many pointed out that the Central Motor Vehicles Act allows states to set fines between ₹1,000 and ₹10,000, leaving the final decision to state governments.

The controversy deepened when the government briefly mandated petrol pumps to deny fuel to vehicles without PUCC, sparking public outrage. Though the restriction was later withdrawn, the high fines continued to draw protests. Automatic challan deductions at toll gates further intensified resentment, forcing the transport department to reconsider.

After nearly ten months of debate, the government has now officially reduced the fines, aligning Odisha with practices in other states where penalties are capped at ₹1,000 for first‑time offenders and ₹2,000 for repeat violations.

Officials said the decision balances environmental concerns with public convenience, ensuring compliance without imposing excessive financial burden.

The revised fines are expected to ease tensions among motorists while maintaining pressure on vehicle owners to keep pollution certificates updated.