|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Long story short: Ensure a smooth journey in India with our guide to the mandatory new bike documents list for traffic police, from RC and DL to Fitness certificates. Riding a bike in India requires adherence to specific legal requirements, including carrying certain documents.
But the digital boom has ensured that we do not need to carry physical documents most of the time, thank God and to the Honourable Government of India. This article outlines the mandatory bike documents required for riding a motorcycle in India, whether for new riders above 40 years of age or for two-wheelers older than 15 years.
Must have bike documents list for travel in India
1. Driving Licence
A valid driving licence is essential for legally riding a bike. It serves as proof that the rider can operate the vehicle.
For more in-depth details, please read the below article from our team:
https://www.bikeleague.in/motorcycle-articles/two-wheeler-license-in-india-full-guide-to-types-process
2. Registration Certificate (RC)
The Registration Certificate (RC) is a crucial document that certifies that your vehicle is registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). It is mandatory to carry the RC while riding a bike.
For more in-depth details, please read the below article from our team:
https://www.bikeleague.in/motorcycle-articles/motorcycle-rc-book-in-india-exploring-book-vs-digital
3. Bike Insurance policy
All bike riders must have at least third-party insurance. This insurance provides financial protection against third-party liabilities in case of an accident.
For more in-depth details, please read the below article from our team:
https://www.bikeleague.in/motorcycle-articles/how-to-buy-and-select-two-wheeler-insurance
4. Road Tax certificate
A road tax certificate is also required for bike travel in India. It confirms that the vehicle’s road tax has been paid and is valid for the duration of the trip. This document is necessary to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with regional transport regulations.
For more in-depth details, please read the below article from our team:
https://www.bikeleague.in/motorcycle-articles/two-wheeler-road-tax-in-india-a-detailed-explanation
5. Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC)
The PUCC, the emission certificate, indicates that the vehicle meets the required emission standards. It is mandatory to carry this certificate while riding.
For more in-depth details, please read the below article from our team:
6. Fitness Certificate
A fitness certificate from the RTO is required for vehicles older than 15 years to ensure they are roadworthy.
For more in-depth details, please read the below article from our team:
https://www.bikeleague.in/motorcycle-articles/bike-fitness-certificate-guide-all-you-need-to-know/
7. Medical Certificate
Riders over 40 must carry a medical certificate confirming their physical and mental fitness to ride a bike.
For more in-depth details, please read the below article from our team:
Digital bike documents for riding
Since October 1, 2020, all vehicle-related documents, including the driving license, insurance papers, and registration certificate, are legally valid in digital format. This change was implemented to simplify the process and reduce the need for physical documents. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has confirmed that digital documents stored in approved apps like DigiLocker and mParivahan are acceptable for traffic authorities to verify.
Approved digital platforms for two-wheeler documents in India
The government has specified that digital copies of vehicle documents must be stored in the DigiLocker or mParivahan apps. These platforms are officially recognized for storing and presenting digital documents during traffic police inspections. This ensures that the documents are easily accessible and verifiable by authorities.
Android – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nic.mparivahan&hl=en_IN
IOS – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/nextgen-mparivahan/id1450914131
Legal backing & amendments of digital bike documents
The amended Motor Vehicle Rules facilitate the digital verification of documents, aiming to curb corruption and streamline the process. These amendments provide legal backing to digital documents, ensuring that no physical copies are required if the digital versions are validated electronically. This rule is part of the broader effort to modernize and digitize the transport sector.
Inspection and verification of digital bike documents for traffic police
In the event of an inspection by traffic police, riders can present their digitally stored documents. If the details provided are validated electronically, no physical documents will be demanded, even when an offence necessitates document seizure. This makes it convenient for riders to comply with legal requirements without carrying physical copies.
Penalties & compliance of digital two-wheeler documents for traffic police
While digital documents are acceptable, it is crucial to ensure they are up-to-date from the approved apps. Failure to present valid digital or physical documents can result in fines. For instance, not carrying a valid registration certificate can lead to a fine of Rs. 5,000 for the first offence and Rs. 10,000 for subsequent violations. Therefore, compliance with the digital document storage guidelines is essential to avoid penalties.
FAQs about bike documents in India
1. Do I need to carry physical bike documents while travelling outside your state?
Digital documents are more than enough, but carrying physical documents would be much better.
2. How Long is the RC Valid?
The RC of a non-commercial vehicle is valid for 15 years from the registration date. It must be renewed after this period.
3. What Happens if I Lose My RC Book?
You can apply for a duplicate at your local RTO if you lose your RC book. The process involves submitting an application and necessary documents.
4. Do I Need a Pre-Insurance Inspection Every Year?
Most insurance companies do not require a pre-insurance inspection annually. It is typically required only when buying new insurance.
5. Does Third-Party Insurance Cover All Damages?
Third-party insurance only covers damages or losses caused to a third party. It does not cover damages to your own bike.
6. Is There a Grace Period for Insurance Renewal?
Most insurers offer a grace period for policy renewal. Still, renewing before the policy expires is advisable to avoid any lapse in coverage.
7. Can I Use Digital Copies of Bike Documents?
Digital copies stored in apps like DigiLocker or mParivahan are accepted as valid documents.
8. Is Personal Accident Cover available in all policies?
Personal accident cover is not available in all policies. It is often an add-on that needs to be purchased separately.
9. Can I Cancel My Insurance Policy Anytime?
Insurance policies can be cancelled, but the process and any applicable refunds depend on the insurer’s terms and conditions.
10. Can I Insure My Bike for a Higher Value Than Its Market Price?
Insuring your bike for a higher value than its market price is not advisable as it can lead to disputes during claims. The insured declared value (IDV) should reflect the bike’s current market value.
Myths & misconceptions about bike documents
1. Buying bike Insurance Online is Unsafe
Buying bike insurance online is safe and convenient. Many insurance companies offer secure online platforms for purchasing and renewing policies.
2. Comprehensive Insurance is Unnecessary
Comprehensive insurance provides extensive coverage, including damages to your vehicle and third-party liabilities, making it a valuable investment.
3. Insurance Covers the Bike Owner and Pillion Rider
The coverage depends on the type of bike insurance purchased. Not all policies cover both the bike owner and the pillion rider.
4. Third-Party Insurance Covers All Damages
Third-party insurance only covers damages or losses caused by a third party. It does not cover damages to your own bike.
5. Insurance Covers Only Accidents
Comprehensive insurance covers a range of incidents, including theft, natural disasters, vandalism, and accidents.
6. You cannot transfer insurance to a new Owner
Transferring insurance to a new owner is possible when selling a bike, ensuring continuous coverage.
7. Online Insurance Lacks Customer Support
Online insurance platforms offer robust customer support through various channels, including chat, email, and phone.
8. Insurance Premiums Are Fixed
Insurance premiums can vary based on the bike’s age, model, and the rider’s driving history.
Other related articles from Bikeleague India
- Understanding bike insurance jargons & Essential Addons
- Tips to reduce your bike insurance premium in India
- The dos and don’ts of bike modification & traffic rules in India
Conclusion
Riding a bike in India requires several mandatory bike documents for traffic police. The compulsory bike documents list includes the
- Driving licence
- Registration Certificate
- Insurance policy
- PUCC
- Tax certificate
- Fitness certificate (for older vehicles)
- Medical certificate (for riders above 40)
Digital copies of these documents are acceptable, but original documents must be produced if traffic rules are violated. Understanding and adhering to these requirements can help avoid legal issues (which are very common in India) and ensure a safe riding experience.
If you have any other doubts or queries about the mandatory bike documents list required while travelling on a bike in India, email us at bikeleague2017@gmail.com or share your doubts or opinions in the comments section below. We are always eager to help and assist you. Also, here are several social media platforms of Bikeleague India to raise your suspicions.
