Mandatory Documents to Carry While Riding A Two-Wheeler

To drive a two-wheeler in India, you need to hold specific documents as per the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. The mandatory documents required while driving a bike are used for legal purposes and to identify the vehicle. Let’s discuss in detail the list of documents to carry while riding a two-wheeler:

1. Driving License

A driving license (DL) is a document that is meant to give permission to bike riders to legally drive motorcycles on roads. The DL is issued by the RTO after you pass the necessary driving test. The driving license comprises the list of the types of vehicles which you are eligible to drive or ride such as two-wheeler, four-wheeler, a vehicle with gear, and so on. It is a compulsion for every bike owner to carry a driving license while riding a bike and failing to carry it is a punishable offence.

2. Bike Registration Certificate 

Registration Certificate is commonly popular as RC. It is one of the most significant documents of a two-wheeler that you should carry every time while riding. The registration certificate validates the legitimacy of your scooter or bike and ensures that it is lawfully registered with the Regional Transportation Office (RTO). The RC document comprises the registration number of your motorcycle, owner details of the motorcycle, the make and model of your motorcycle, and so on. 

3. Two-Wheeler Insurance Policy

It is compulsory to carry at least a third-party bike insurance policy while driving a bike on Indian roads. The policy documents serve as proof that the bike you are driving is insured. However, only a third-party car insurance policy is mandatory but it is recommended to buy a comprehensive policy to cover own damages as well. The policy document holds your bike’s registration number, insurance company name, type of insurance policy, policy term, etc.

4. Bike’s Fitness Certificate

A two-wheeler is considered fit to be driven on roads until it turns 15 years old and after that, you need to hold a fitness certificate of your scooter or bike to continue to drive it on the roads. You will have to renew the fitness certificate of your two-wheeler every two years. Therefore, if you own a bike that is more than 15 years old, then you should hold a fitness certificate while driving.

5. Pollution Under Control Certificate

Every two-wheeler owner should hold a Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate compulsorily while riding. It contains the carbon emission level of two-wheelers and its registration number and driving a two-wheeler without it is an illegal offence. The PUC validates that carbon monoxide emitted by the vehicle is within the permissible limit approved by the authorities.

6. Fitness Medical Certificate

People more than 50 years of age should produce a medical certificate before the authorities, whenever they ask to show it. It serves as a disclaimer that the person driving the bike or scooter is medically fit to ride a two-wheeler. This certificate should be issued only by the certified doctor confirming the applicant is medically fit to hold a driving license and drive a two-wheeler.

Conclusion

Driving a two-wheeler is a responsible task as it may cause accidents and serious mishaps. Apart from following traffic rules, you also have to follow Indian Motor Tariff laws which mandates some documents to be carried by every bike owner while riding it. In this article, the list of mandatory documents is mentioned with their details to help you ride your bike with complete knowledge.

Also Read:

5 Bikes/Scooters expected to launch in 2021 in India

Is Two-Wheeler Insurance Compulsory For Electric Scooters? 

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.