Karnataka PUC Fees: Government Hikes Testing Charges Across Categories

The Karnataka state government has officially increased the Pollution Under Control (PUC) emission testing fees across all vehicle categories statewide. Under the newly implemented fee structure, owners of two-wheelers and autorickshaws will now have to pay Rs 80 for emission checks. Petrol, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) four-wheelers will be charged Rs 150. Meanwhile, the state has set the testing fee for diesel-powered vehicles at Rs 200 to offset rising operational costs for emission testing centers.

The state transport department initiated this upward revision following repeated representations from emission testing center operators. Industry associations cited escalating overheads, including the rising cost of advanced testing equipment, power tariffs, and staff salaries. The previous tariff structure had remained unchanged for several years, making the business increasingly unviable for local franchise owners. By adjusting these rates, the state administration aims to ensure that testing centers remain financially sustainable while upgrading their diagnostic machinery to meet stricter national environmental standards.

The immediate rollout of these higher tariffs will directly impact millions of motorists and commercial transport operators across Karnataka. Vehicle owners must obtain updated PUC certificates periodically to avoid heavy fines from traffic police and Regional Transport Office (RTO) personnel. Environmental activists have welcomed the update, noting that modernized testing centers will better detect high-emission vehicles. Motorists must now budget for these updated charges during their next scheduled pollution check at any authorized state facility.