Karnataka hikes PUC fees: two-wheelers Rs 80, diesel Rs 200

Karnataka raised pollution-under-control certificate fees on August 13, with two-wheelers now paying Rs 80, autorickshaws Rs 80, petrol four-wheelers Rs 150, and diesel vehicles Rs 200. The Times of India reports the revision followed representations from emission testing centres, who told the transport department that charges had not changed since April 2022 despite rising costs for fuel, rent, equipment and staff.

Along with the fee hike, the transport department issued stricter testing norms. Gas analysers must be recalibrated regularly, handwritten entries on certificates are banned, and all certificates must carry a hologram to prevent fraud. The PUC certificate remains valid for 12 months for BS-IV and BS-VI vehicles.

India TV reported the new rates without the context of operator requests. The transport department has also directed centres to display their licences prominently and maintain adequate space for testing.