Documents To Carry When Riding A Bike In India
Do you know what documents are compulsory to carry with you when riding your bike in India? Let’s read all about it.
According to studies, around 50% of households in India prefer to buy bicycles, motorbikes, scooters, and other two-wheeled vehicles over cars. This is because they are more cost-effective and can easily squeeze into anyone’s budget. However, if the laws and regulations are broken while riding a two-wheeler, it could cost you money.
Do you also travel to your office by bike? Or are you planning to enjoy riding on your two-wheeler? It is mandatory to understand the documents you should carry and the rules you must follow while riding a bike in India. Continue reading to find out more!
Documents Required For Riding A Bike In India
While hitting the road on your motorcycle, ensure that you are always carrying the below-mentioned documents. You never know when the police catch you unexpectedly and ask you to show the documents. Not being able to present the documents at that time can get you fined or your motorcycle can be confiscated as well. Hence always carry:
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Insurance papers: According to the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, all vehicles must have third party motor insurance to get on the road. Carrying insurance documents is evidence of fulfilling this legal compliance. You can keep your documents at a safe place but you must carry a softcopy to present to police if they ask you to present proof of insurance.
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Driving Licence: Having a driving licence is a must to drive any vehicle as it implies that you have passed the standard test required to drive on the road. Driving without a valid DL is a punishable offence and hence you must have proof of being eligible to drive. You can also keep a softcopy or have it on your DigiLocker.
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RC of vehicle: The Registration Certificate of your vehicle has the details of the vehicle and reflects the name of its owner. It acts as an evidence of ownership and ensures that the vehicle is not stolen and hence it is mandatory to keep it while going on a ride. A softcopy or DigiLocker access also serves the purpose.
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Pollution under control certificate: The government has set a safety standard regarding emission of carbon from vehicles. The PUC certificate is awarded if your bike successfully passes a pollution test of your vehicle. This certificate denotes that the carbon emission of your bike is not exceeding the standardised limits and hence is not harmful to the environment.
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Medical Certificate: This document is selectively applicable on people who are above 50 years of age. A medical certificate is issued by a regular medical practitioner to ensure that the person is medically and physically fit to ride a bike.
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Bike Fitness Certificate: A fitness certificate is given to the bike declaring that it is safe to be on the road. This test basically ensures that the brakes, headlights, tires, handle, etc are meeting the basic standards of operating and hence does not create a risk of accident due to failure of any function.
Basic Rules & Regulations For Bike Travelers In India
Below mentioned are some of the traffic guidelines that you must follow while riding a two-wheeler on Indian roads.
- Make sure that both you and your pillion are wearing helmets.
- Always carry the necessary documents such as registration certificate, PUC certificate, medical certificate, insurance policy, and others with you.
- Do not drive your two-wheeler without a legal driving license.
- Do not overload your two-wheelers and always maintain your speed limit.
- Always pave the way for emergency vehicles such as ambulances.
Conclusion
Motorcycles provide an economical approach to your daily travel and are fun to ride with friends and family. While the motorcycle is a medium of unrestricted joy and thrill, it is important to ensure that these experiences don't meet a speedbreaker. Carrying the essential documents is necessary while riding in India as not doing so can get you heavily fined or can even get your bike confiscated by the police. Keeping a copy of all the documents always in the trunk of your bike is a really easy way to avoid such experiences.
FAQs
Q: Can I carry a insurance certificate instead of policy documents ?
Yes, the insurance certificate has all the important details mentioned on it and hence it is sufficient as evidence of an active insurance policy.
Q: Can I show digital copies of my documents instead of physical ones?
Yes, you can present a soft copy of the documents through DigiLocker or mParivahan.
Q: What happens if I am caught by police and don’t have the required documents?
Depending on what document is missing you can be fined or your driving licence can be suspended. The police can also keep your vehicle until you present the documents.
Q: When do I need a Fitness Certificate for my bike?
You need a fitness certificate after 1 year of registration of the bike. Each certificate is valid for 5 years after which you have to get another certificate.
Q: What key information is included in the bike's Registration Certificate (RC)?
The bike's registration number, model number, and personal details of the owner are written on the RC of the bike. It also has the details of the RTO it is registered under.
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