Documents to carry while driving a two wheeler in India

Whether it's a small village or bustling metropolis, two-wheelers are the ride of choice for millions of Indians. To ensure the safety of riders and the general public, and to protect the environment, there are certain documents mandated by Indian traffic laws. It is essential to carry these while riding a scooter or bike on Indian roads.

What documents should a driver carry while driving?

While some documents are related to the ownership and identification of the two-wheeler, others are associated with the identification and capability of the rider. If you are caught breaking any traffic laws - or even stopped randomly - the traffic police may ask you to produce any or all of the documents listed here, and you will need to comply.

Registration Certificate (RC)

This is one of the most important documents to carry while driving as the RC provides as the confirmation that your bike has been registered with a Regional Transport Office (RTO). It also contains details such as the registration number, make and model, your personal details and details of previous owners (if any) of your bike. If you are unable to produce a valid RC, you could be fined Rs 5,000.

Driving Licence

A driving licence is a legal permit that allows you to ride a two-wheeler on roads. It will be issued to you by the local RTO if you have passed the requisite driving test and are above 18. The driving licence includes your personal details and mentions the type of bike you are allowed to ride - either geared or non-geared. As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is compulsory to always carry a driving licence. The fine for operating a vehicle without a valid licence is Rs 5,000.

Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC)

The PUCC is an emissions certificate that mentions the amount of pollution emitted by your vehicle exhaust. It certifies that carbon monoxide released by your two-wheeler is within the approved limit and has to be renewed every six months (for bikes older than a year). As per Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, if you don’t have a valid PUCC, the fine is Rs 1,000 for the first offence and Rs 2,000 subsequently.

Fitness Certificate (for older vehicles)

Most vehicles are only fit to be on the roads for 15 years. If you have a bike older than that, you need a fitness certificate to continue riding it. You must renew the fitness certificate every two years afterwards.

Two-wheeler Insurance Policy

A two wheeler insurance can protect you, your vehicle, and other vehicles and pedestrians from financial loss or liability in the event of an accident. Your insurance policy will specify the bike’s brand/model, age, ownership details, type and limit of insurance coverage, tenure of the policy, etc. It can also help you check your coverage quickly and provide the contact details of your insurer if you need to contact them after an accident. Driving without insurance can incur a fine of Rs 2,000 and/or imprisonment up to three months.

Make sure you have all these documents with you even before you start your vehicle. Always carry the hard copies in the trunk of your bike and an electronic copy stored in case you lose your original.

When looking to buy or renew your two-wheeler insurance, opt for Tata AIG’s comprehensive two-wheeler insurance, which can be purchased online in a few simple steps. You can also include add-on covers such as return to invoice and roadside assistance for enhanced protection.

If you share your two-wheeler with friends or family, you can avail of a personal accident cover for unnamed persons so that any unnamed person (other than you) who may be a pillion/driver/sidecar passenger can also receive insurance benefit in the event of an accident.

Make sure you #ThinkAhead and get comprehensive insurance to be secure on the roads and for peace of mind.