A Complete List of Documents Required While Driving A Car In India

Posted on: Jun 11, 2019 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

A Complete List of Documents Required While Driving A Car In India

As much as driving is exciting, it is also a responsible act. You are responsible not just for your and your passenger's safety but also for other motorists and pedestrians on the road.

So, before you zoom off in your car, you must ensure that you have all the requisite documents required while driving in India as per the laws. One document that is an absolute must is having third-party car insurance, as mandated by the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. You can get car insurance online before it expires, or you might be heavily penalized.

There are some other documents required while driving your car, without which you are liable to pay a huge fine or even have your automobile confiscated. But there is some good news: you are no longer required to carry the physical papers; you can have online versions of these documents on the M-Parivahan or Digi-Locker app.

On this note, let's look at all the documents required to drive your car on Indian roads.

List of documents required while driving in India

Here is a comprehensive list of documents required while driving:

Driving License

This is a no-brainer. You cannot drive without a valid driving license (DL). To obtain the DL, you must first apply at the RTO, then you will receive a learner's license, and after a month, once you pass the examination, you will get your DL.

Many people believe that the DL is the only paperwork needed to drive. It is just one of the many documents required while driving. You must also ensure the validity of your DL, as it expires after a stipulated time.

Also, did you know that you cannot drive a car with a two-wheeler license? So, always check your DL before getting behind the wheel.

Registration Certificate

The Registration Certificate, or RC, is obtained when purchasing a vehicle. A vehicle owner must register with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) within seven days.

The RC is issued initially for 15 years; after that, it can be renewed for five years. This is one of the most important documents required while driving.

Pollution Certificate

Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate certifies that your car meets the required emissions level mentioned under the legally permissible limits. A PUC certificate can be obtained from authorised centres. It is usually located in petrol pumps.

The police can ask you to produce your PUC certificate at any time, and failure to produce it can cause you to incur a fine of Rs 1000 or more. Thus, the pollution certificate is one of the mandatory documents required while driving.

Car Insurance Policy

Did you know that you can end up in prison without valid car insurance? Yes, as per the Motor Vehicle Act, you can either have to pay a hefty fine or face imprisonment for up to three months.

Thus, valid car insurance is among the most critical documents required while driving a car in India. Comprehensive car insurance can protect you and a third-party claimant in an untoward situation. As you know, third-party insurance is a legal necessity, but in case of vehicular damage, comprehensive insurance will provide much better coverage and reduce your financial trauma.

Required permits for commercial vehicles

Specific permits like National Permit and others must always be carried in the car if you own a commercial vehicle. Among other essential documents required while driving commercial vehicles is a fitness certificate.

No, not your fitness certificate. But the health certificate of the car. It shows that the vehicle is fit to be driven on roads. You must be able to provide both the fitness certificate and permits whenever authorities ask.

Conclusion

As responsible drivers, we must adhere to these rules and always carry the necessary documents required while driving. You must always keep an eye on the expiration date of your insurance policy, DL, PUC certificate, or RC and renew it promptly.

Car insurance is valid for a year and must be renewed before it lapses. You can use a car insurance premium calculator to determine the amount payable.

Not just documentation, you must also adhere to the traffic rules, like speed limits and traffic lights, as it helps to prevent any unfortunate accident. As mentioned, you can keep digital copies of the vital documents required while driving, but photographs won't work. Also, try to avoid misguiding the police, as they can verify your documents from their end.

The latest provisions have made applying for and renewing these important documents extremely easy, and it hardly takes much time. You can always renew your insurance online with a few easy clicks.

Remember, an impromptu trip can be exciting, but being pulled over and fined can be equally disappointing. So, just double-check the papers before you get behind the wheel. It will barely take a few seconds, but it can help you save a few thousand. Isn't it a good deal?

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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