Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has lowered the maximum penalty for vehicles operating without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC), from Rs 10,000 to Rs 6,000, Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena said.
Under the revised penalty structure, motorcycles and three-wheelers will be fined Rs 1,000 for a first offence and Rs 2,000 for subsequent violations. Motor cabs, cars, jeeps and tractors/trailers will attract fines of Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000, respectively.
For other vehicles, including transport vehicles not covered in the specified categories, the penalty will be Rs 3,000 for a first offence and Rs 6,000 for subsequent violations.
The government revised the fines following feedback from motorists, vehicle associations and the media over the higher penalties introduced in 2019. The move aims to facilitate compliance while maintaining enforcement under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Jena said action against deliberate violations of pollution and insurance norms would continue. He directed officials to intensify checks and ensure vehicles carry valid PUCC and insurance documents.
Vehicles with e-challans pending for more than 90 days will not be eligible for PUCC renewal, Jena said.
