Do You Know What All Documents You Must Carry While Riding a Bike? Here is the Checklist

So, you have purchased a new bike and can’t wait to take it for a spin, huh? BUT do you have all the required documents to be on the road? Let’s talk about it.

If you are setting out for a ride on your bike, it is best to carry all documents mandated by the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Not having these documents in question can get you stuck in Nakabandi and consequently lead you to be penalised as per the newly introduced traffic fines. 

So do not take any chances!

Take a good look at all the documents listed below.

Documents You Need to Carry to Drive a Two-Wheeler in India

Well, wearing a helmet is a must.

Besides that, you will also need to carry the following documents to drive your bike - 

1. 1. Vehicle purchase document - This is the proof of you being the owner of the bike. In simple terms, it is a set of documents provided by your dealer to you at the time of purchasing the bike.
   2. Registration certificate - RC book - Registration certificate, also known as RC, is an important document which acts as a proof that your bike is registered with the government. Issued by your local RTO, it carries the name and number of the owner, vehicle registration number, chassis number and other relevant details. 
   3. Two-wheeler driving license - A driving license is a permission for a person to drive any kind of motor vehicles. It is also issued by the RTO. When you are driving a two-wheeler, you must have a valid two-wheeler driving license according to the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. Moreover, the driving license also serves the purpose of a valid identity and address proof in case of an emergency. 

• Pollution under control certificate - PUC - Pollution under control certificate or PUC is a certificate that is given out when your bike/car passes the PuC test. If your bike has a valid PUC Certificate, it means that its vehicular emissions adhere to the stipulated pollution norms.

1. Insurance certificate - The insurance certificate is a mandatory document that reduces your financial liabilities if your bike is involved in an accident or is damaged. This certificate contains the type of insurance policy, name of the vehicle owner, coverage, tenure, vehicle details.
2. Regional transport office or RTO tax paper - Road tax is a compulsory tax to be paid by a vehicle owner at the time of vehicle registration. It is paid at the Regional Transport office or RTO. While you are on the road driving your two-wheeler, you are mandatorily required to carry this tax paper.
3. Fitness certificate - You need to carry a fitness certificate of your vehicle which confirms that your vehicle meets the norms to be fit to be driven at public places according to the government. 
4. Authorization paper for RC - If the RC book is not in your name, then you must carry an authorisation paper from the owner especially if you are travelling inter-city.

If you are not carrying these documents while driving a two-wheeler, you will be liable to be penalised. To enhancing existing road safety measures, the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act came on effect from 1st September 2019 with a new set of traffic fines - 

While on the subject of discussing documents required for the road, it is pertinent to learn some more about two-wheeler insurance policies and PuC certificates.

Take a look!

Two-Wheeler Insurance Policies

Availing two-wheeler insurance policies are crucial because they provide a financial safeguard against the damages or losses incurred to or because of your two-wheeler.

There are two types of bike insurances available in the market - third-party insurance and comprehensive insurance.

• Third-party two-wheeler insurance – A third party bike insurance shields you from financial liabilities incurred due to damage or loss to a third party property or person by your two-wheeler.
• Comprehensive two-wheeler insurance - A comprehensive insurance policy covers not only third party damages but also your own damages and losses. Hence, comprehensive insurance is preferable as it provides maximum protection. 

Pollution under Control Certificate or PUC

Pollution under control test or vehicle emission test is conducted to keep the rising pollution level under control. It checks whether the emissions from your two-wheeler is under the limits determined by the government or not.

Therefore, you need to undertake an emission test of your vehicle to ensure that your two-wheeler is fit for the environment.

So, with these few documents in your possession, you can avoid traffic rule violations and the subsequent penalties!