Odisha Introduces PUCC ‘Green Sticker’ to Ease Pollution Certificate Checks

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Transport Authority (STA) has issued a notification introducing a PUCC validity sticker, popularly known as the ‘Green Sticker’, to streamline pollution certificate verification across the state. The stickers will be provided free of cost at all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) from January 10, 2026.

The Green Sticker is linked to the Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) and will display essential details including the vehicle registration number, PUCC validity period, and the name of the authorised PUC testing centre. Each sticker will carry a unique serial number along with security features to prevent misuse.

According to the STA, the sticker will be available for all internal combustion engine vehicles. However, it will not be mandatory for vehicle owners. Officials clarified that the initiative is aimed at helping enforcement teams quickly verify PUCC status during checks.

For vehicles tested up to January 9, 2026, the PUCC validity stickers will be issued by the respective RTOs. Each RTO will set up a dedicated counter for this purpose. Before issuing a sticker, officials will verify PUCC details through the VAHAN database, confirm the authorisation of the PUC testing centre, and match vehicle details with the registration certificate.

Vehicle owners will be required to produce the PUCC (Form 59), registration certificate (RC), and a valid identity proof. If an authorised representative applies on behalf of the owner, a signed authorisation letter along with self-attested Aadhaar copies will be mandatory.

From January 10 onwards, authorised PUC testing centres will issue the Green Sticker directly at the time of emission testing, after successful completion of the test and generation of Form 59. The STA has clearly stated that no additional fee can be charged for the sticker, and it will only be issued for vehicles tested at the same authorised centre.

The notification also lays down strict guidelines for filling in sticker details. Information must be written clearly using a black permanent marker, without overwriting or corrections. Any sticker found tampered with or altered will be considered invalid.

Warning against misuse, the STA said the stickers will be tamper-proof and self-adhesive, featuring security holograms. Issuance of fake or unauthorised stickers will invite strict action, including cancellation of PUC authorisation and penalties under motor vehicle laws.

The move comes ahead of the statewide implementation of the ‘No Pollution Under Control Certificate, no fuel’ rule from April 1. Under this rule, fuel stations across Odisha will deny fuel to vehicles without a valid PUCC.

Transport officials said the Green Sticker will assist enforcement personnel and fuel station staff in quickly identifying vehicles with valid pollution certificates, even though carrying the sticker remains optional for vehicle owners.