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Key Highlights
- It is mandatory to carry the necessary bike documents when riding a bike. Failure to do so amounts to non-compliance and may attract penalties.
- A driving licence, registration certificate, insurance policy, PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate, and fitness certificate are some of the key two-wheeler documents that you should always carry.
- It is advisable to keep all documents safe in a waterproof and durable folder. You may also carry photocopies and digital copies of these.
The ability to take your two-wheeler to different places without being dependent on others gives an amazing sense of freedom. But you must also ensure you ride your bike responsibly and carry the mandatory bike documents every time. Carrying two-wheeler documents is mandatory and a legal requirement.Not sure about the documents to carry while riding a bike and curious to know more? If yes, you're at the right place. Keep reading to know more.
Why Is it Mandatory to Carry Bike Documents?
It is a legal requirement to have the necessary bike documents when riding a bike. Failure to comply results in penalties. By keeping these documents handy, you can produce them immediately to the traffic officials when required.These documents facilitate ease of identification of your bike ownership. They also help you sail through emergencies. By producing valid two-wheeler documents, you can expect faster resolutions for issues arising from unexpected events.
Which Bike Documents Are Compulsory?
We have listed five of the most common bike documents that are mandatory for you to carry at all times:
- Driving Licence
A driving licence is one of the most crucial bike documents that you must always carry. It permits you to ride your bike on the roads. Issued by the RTO (Regional Transport Office), the driving licence contains the details of the type of two-wheeler you can ride. Note that you get your driving licence after clearing the driving test. Also Read: Types of Driving Licence in India Explained
- Registration Certificate
The registration certificate is commonly referred to as RC and is one of the key two-wheeler documents. It serves as proof of your bike ownership and that your bike is registered with the RTO. It carries important information like your name, your bike’s registration number, its model, etc. Also Read: Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC): All You Need To Know
- Insurance Policy
It is compulsory to have a motor insurance policy. Apart from fulfilling a legal requirement, a bike insurance policy creates a safety net to meet financial liabilities that can arise during unexpected times. What's more, you can extend the scope of your policy with add-ons or 'riders' at additional charges for comprehensive motor insurance coverage. Also Read: Complete Guide To 3rd Party Bike Insurance
- PUC Certificate
The PUC certificate is another key document. PUC stands for Pollution Under Control. This certificate indicates that the emissions from your bike are within the permissible limits. You will have to take your bike for an emission test to obtain the PUC certificate. Also Read: Importance of Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC)
- Fitness Certificate
A bike is considered fit for riding on the roads for 15 years. Post that, to continue riding, you need to get its fitness evaluated. The fitness certificate signifies that your bike is fit enough to be taken on the roads.
How Can You Manage Your Bike Documents Effectively?
Here are a few tips that can help you organise your two-wheeler documents and keep them safe.
- Folder: Compile all documents together in one folder so that you can conveniently show them to the authorities when required. Also, make sure the folder is waterproof and durable to keep your documents safe from any weather conditions.
- Photocopies: In addition to original bike documents, It is a good idea to carry a photocopy. You can keep these in a separate folder. Just in case the original two-wheeler documents get misplaced, you will always have a backup.
- Digital copies: Save a digital copy on your mobile device for quick and easy access to documents. You can also explore the DigiLocker App to save the relevant bike documents in one place.
- Validity: The validity of the documents is generally mentioned on the document itself. Keep track of the validity of your bike documents and renew them in time to avoid any violations of the law.
Importance of Maintaining Essential Bike Documents
To summarise, it is a mandatory requirement to carry the relevant two-wheeler documents every time you ride. Failure to comply may result in a levy of penalties. Also, it is equally important to ensure they are valid and have not expired. Keep these documents safe and track their validity to avoid any legal complications.Your bike documents vouch for your ownership and make your travel convenient and hassle-free. You can add to this convenience with a suitable insurance plan that offers larger coverage and more benefits. While there are several bike insurance policies to choose from, opt for the one that best matches your needs.
FAQS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which bike documents are mandatory for me to carry?
Some of the key two-wheeler documents that you should compulsorily carry include - a driving licence, registration certificate, insurance policy, PUC certificate, and fitness certificate among others.
Why is it important to carry these two-wheeler documents?
Apart from being a legal requirement, your two-wheeler documents establish your bike ownership and help you get a quick resolution during unexpected events.
Is it mandatory to carry a driving licence?
Yes. Your driving licence is one of the key two-wheeler documents that permit you to ride your bike on the roads.
What is a PUC certificate?
A PUC certificate certifies that the emissions from your bike are within the permissible limits. You should necessarily carry a valid PUC certificate.
How about a registration certificate? Is this mandatory too?
Yes. It is mandatory to carry your registration certificate. It carries relevant information about the owner and the bike. It serves as proof of your bike ownership.
Why is an insurance policy mandatory?
Apart from being a legal requirement, an insurance policy can prepare you for financial emergencies arising from road mishaps.
What is a fitness certificate? Why is it mandatory?
A bike is considered to be fit for riding on the roads for 15 years. Post that, you need to get its fitness evaluated. The fitness certificate signifies that your bike is fit enough to be taken on the roads.
How can I keep my documents safe?
You may buy a waterproof and durable document holder to keep your two-wheeler documents safe. This is likely to protect it from regular wear and tear and changing weather conditions.
What if my original documents get misplaced? How do I create a backup?
You may carry a photocopy of your original two-wheeler documents and keep them in a separate folder. You may also carry digital copies and store them in the DigiLocker App, as applicable.
Any tips on how I can manage my documents effectively?
Keep track of the validity of these documents and renew them in time to avoid any legal complications.
The information contained herein is generic in nature and is meant for educational purposes only. Nothing here is to be construed as an investment or financial or taxation advice nor to be considered as an invitation or solicitation or advertisement for any financial product. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and should seek independent professional advice prior to making any investment decision in relation to any financial product. Aditya Birla Capital Group is not liable for any decision arising out of the use of this information.
