When Riding a Bike, Here's a Checklist of Documents to Bring

Have you ever pondered what documents you'd need to present if a traffic officer stopped you on Indian highways while riding your two-wheeler? Read more about it here, and have this list of documents with you at all times to prevent any problems if you're ever pulled over on the road and asked to give any of the paperwork listed below. To acquire a two-wheeler outright or on a loan, people used to have to show a flurry of paperwork. However, throughout time, the system has been considerably simplified to allow the owner to rapidly take possession of the vehicle.

When Riding a Bike, Bring These Documents

You should always have the following papers with you when riding your bike in India:

1. Registration Certificate

The most important document to maintain with you at all times is the bike's Registration Certificate or RC. The RC will check to see if the motorbike is lawful and has been properly registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). The registration number, the bike's brand and model, and the owner's contact information, among other data, would be stored in the RC for the bike.

2. A Valid Driver's License is Required

A valid driver's license is also essential, as it permits the bearer to ride a two-wheeler lawfully on public roads. Once the candidate passes the obligatory driving test, the RTO provides it. It also decides whether you can ride a two-wheeler with or without gear. It's vital that you ride a bike that meets the requirements of your driver's license. According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, you must maintain your driver's license with you at all times when riding a bike. You can carry a physical copy or convert it to digital using applications like DigiLocker or mParivahan.

3. Bike Insurance Protection

As needed by law, your bike must also be insured up to Third-Party Bike Insurance coverage. Comprehensive Bike Insurance, which includes Third-Party and Own-Damage coverage, can give you extra protection. The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 mandates that you have the bike's insurance policy paperwork with you at all times. The bike's registration number, the policy's term, the coverage maximum, and the insurance company's name will all be included.

4. Certificate from the PUC (Pollution Under Control)

The PUC Certificate will certify your bike's emission level. It will also provide the motorcycle's registration number. It will keep your vehicle's carbon monoxide emissions within the legal level. You must always have your motorcycle with you when traveling on Indian roadways.

5. Fitness Certificate

If your bike is over 15 years old, you must always have a bike fitness certificate with you on the road. Every two years, this will need to be renewed.

6. Medical Fitness Certificate

Those above the age of 50 must get a medical certificate demonstrating their ability to ride a two-wheeler.

Take Away

For two-wheeler owners, the original or photocopy of the documentation to be presented is frequently a cause of uncertainty. Some people carry a colored Xerox of their driver's license around with them, which is often rejected by cops and results in a fine for not possessing the original documents. In actuality, you can provide the documents either in their original form or as attested photocopies. Get photocopies of your documents validated by a gazetted officer if you're carrying them. Keep this list handy and remember to carry the above-mentioned documents with you at all times to stay in compliance with the law.

Also read - How to Improve the Performance of Your Bike's Batteries