Two-wheeler drivers have to be careful about several things while driving on the roads. Among them, ensuring physical safety and abiding by traffic laws top the list.
That is why it is crucial to have all updated documents on your person at all times. Doing so will keep you safe during routine checks conducted by traffic police. However, if you do not have all the required documents for driving a two-wheeler, you may land in trouble. Let’s take a look at the list of essential documents needed while driving a two-wheeler in India.
1. Registration Certificate
The most essential document to be carried while driving a two-wheeler is the Registration Certificate or RC. The RC is a legal confirmation of the bike’s legitimacy and ownership. It proves that the bike or scooter is registered with the Regional Transport Office(RTO), as mandatory by law. The bike’s RC includes vital information like the vehicle’s registration number, its make and model, details of the vehicle’s owner, etc.
2. Driving License
A driving license or DL is compulsory for driving a two-wheeler in India. The driving license is what permits the license holder to legally ride a two-wheeler on roads. It is issued by the RTO after the applicant passes a stipulated driving test. The DL also states the kind of two-wheeler its holder is allowed to ride, which is of two types- with or without gear. For a hassle-free commute, driving a two-wheeler in accordance with your license is the best policy. The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 makes it mandatory by law to carry a driving license at all times when riding a two-wheeler. You may choose to either carry a physical copy or link it to an online app.
3. Insurance Policy
It is illegal to drive a two-wheeler without having at least a Third-party motor insurance coverage. You can select a wider coverage under Comprehensive motor insurance that is an amalgamation of Third-party and Own Damage motor insurance. Carrying the two-wheeler’s insurance policy at all times is a must as it protects the policyholder financially in the event of an accident. It also contains important information like the two-wheeler’s registration number, tenure of the policy, coverage limit, and other details that confirm ownership of the insured.
4. Pollution Under Control Certificate
The Pollution Under Control Certificate or PUC certificate states the level of pollution released by a vehicle. The PUC has the vehicle’s registration number along with other valuable information. The primary role of a PUC certificate is to confirm that the amount of carbon monoxide emitted by a vehicle is within legally acceptable limits. This makes it one of the primary documents needed while driving a two-wheeler in India.
5. Fitness Certificate
If you own a two-wheeler that is older than 15 years, you will need to carry a bike fitness certificate with you while driving your vehicle at all times. This document certifies that your vehicle is safe to be driven and does not emit a harmful level of pollutants into the atmosphere. A fitness certificate must be renewed every two years.
6. Medical Certificate
In addition to the above-mentioned documents, all individuals above the age of 50 need to carry a Medical certificate that acts as a disclaimer of their medical fitness to ride a two-wheeler.
Carrying these documents while driving not only keeps you in accordance with the law but also helps you steer clear of traffic fines, etc. Hence, be sure to carry them every time you decide to take your two-wheeler for a spin.
