Are you planning to take a long-distance trip on your two-wheeler? Or even if you want to go across the city to drop off a friend on your bike, you need to carry certain mandatory documents like a driving license, bike insurance, etc., while riding on the roads.
Driving conditions on India's roads are not very smooth. Plus, the harms of traffic and pollution congestion. Riding your two-wheeler can be pretty tiresome. To top it all off, imagine being stopped by a traffic policeman who demands essential documents from you. Even if you are not carrying one of them, you may have to pay a heavy fine and a ticket (challan), which can be excruciating for many.
Whether it's shopping, going to work, picking up kids from school, or visiting a friend in town, you must carry essential documents when riding your two-wheeler. Follow safety protocols and pay attention to the signs. Don't forget to carry all vehicle purchase and registration documents with you, as it is mandatory to have them while riding.
Mandatory Documents for Two-wheelers
Below you will find a list of critical documents that you would need while riding a two-wheeler in India:
- Two-wheeler registration certificate (RC)
- Certificate of fitness of the two-wheeler
- Two Wheeler Insurance policy
- Pollution Control Certificate (PUCC)
- Driver's licence
1. Registration Certificate
This is one of the essential documents you should always have when out on the road on your bike. Also known as RC, a traffic control person may ask you about it. The RC confirms the two-wheeler's legality and confirms that your bike is registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
The RC contains valuable information about your vehicle and its owners, like the registration number of the two-wheeler, the model, and the personal details of the vehicle owner.
2. Driver's Licence
According to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, driving on public roads without a driving licence is a crime. Once you have cleared the driving test, a DL is issued to you by the RTO. The minimum age to acquire a DL in India, especially for a two-wheeler, is 16. With a driving licence (DL), you can legally drive a two-wheeled vehicle on public roads.
The DL also shows whether you are allowed to drive a 4-wheeler or a two-wheeler. If it's a two-wheeler approved DL, it will also show the type of bike you can ride – with or without the gearbox. Anyone caught riding a two-wheeler without a DL is subject to prosecution. Therefore, you must carry your DL when you're out on the road in a vehicle. You can also link your DL to government apps and carry a digital copy.
3. Bike insurance
Two-wheeler insurance is mandatory for a bike when riding it on public roads. The comprehensive bike insurance document is proof that the two-wheeler is insured with mandatory third-party two-wheeler insurance and coverage for bike damage.
The bike insurance online document includes vital information about you and the vehicle – like the insurer's name, the vehicle registration number, type of coverage, the duration of the policy, and the coverage limit. You must always carry the bike insurance document with you as required by the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
4. Pollution Control Certificate
PUCC confirms that the pollution level emitted from your two-wheeler in the form of carbon monoxide is well within the prescribed limit allowed under the law. It is an emission certificate containing the bike's registration number, the degree of pollution it emits, and the vehicle registration number. You must always carry PUCC along with your two-wheeler insurance when riding on Indian roads.
5. Fitness Certificate
This certificate is required for bikes aged 15 years or older. As per the rule, any two-wheeler is deemed fit to run on roads till it ages 15 years. Once your bike crosses the threshold, you need to get a fitness certificate issued by the RTO to ensure your vehicle is fit and fine to run on the roads.
You would also need to renew it every two years. So, if you ride a two-wheeler over 15 years old, ensure you always have your certificate of eligibility.
6. Medical Certificate
If your age is 50 plus, you need a medical certificate certified by an authorized medical practitioner that states that you can handle and ride a two-wheeler on Indian roads. This certificate confirms your fitness to hold and control a bike.
Basic Traffic Rules to Follow While Driving
When taking your fancy two-wheeler on the road, you must remember that you are not the only one riding. You need to be considerate towards other motorists, pedestrians, and other vehicles. You must adhere to the following rules and regulations when using your two-wheeler on public roads:
- Maintain the visibility of the bike's registration number.
- You need to wear a helmet and ensure that the other passenger is also wearing a helmet.
- Maintain discipline in the lanes.
- Do not drive without the required documents such as DL, RC, two-wheeler insurance policy, PUCC, and, if necessary, a medical or fitness certificate.
- Always keep yourself left on a two-way street.
- Slow down at street corners, crosswalks, etc.
- Don't overtake dangerously or don't use the horn unnecessarily.
- Use hand signals and turn signals diligently.
- Always give way to pedestrians.
- Do not park where it isn't allowed or near an intersection or on an overpass, bridge, or trail.
- Use high beams only on poorly lit roads or highways.
- Do not ride on trails.
- Do not carry more than one passenger.
- Carefully follow traffic and road signs.
Penalty
If you fail to produce any of the aforementioned documents, when asked, you may be subject to the following penalties. To improve road safety conditions, the amending law on motor vehicles on 1 September 2019 introduced a new set of road penalties –
| Offence | Penalty |
| Driving without license | INR 5000/- |
| Driving without bike insurance | INR 2,000/- and 3-months prison INR 4,000/- for a repeated offence |
| Driving without a registration certificate | INR 5,000/- INR 10,000/- for a repeated offence |
| Driving without a vehicle permit | INR 10,000/- and 6 months in prison |
Conclusion
Every rider in India needs to carry all the important documents while riding on the road. Many take the bike trip without having a valid licence, which is essential ID proof and without which the rider may have to bear a heavy penalty.
Several people ignore purchasing a two-wheeler insurance policy, but buying, renewing, and maintaining bike insurance is a must and is one of the most critical documents. It helps you stay away from fines and keeps you financially protected in case of a contingency. Each document has its significance. Every two-wheeler rider must maintain these mandatory documents and eliminate the hassle of facing legal penalties.
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