Driving in India is an experience in itself, full of unpredictable moments, mesmerizing landscapes, and occasional encounters with traffic police. But before you set out on an Indian road, there’s one thing you must ensure: you have all your car papers in place.
It’s not just about being law-abiding; it’s about being prepared. Imagine being in the middle of nowhere and realizing you forgot an essential document!
When travelling out of the station, you’re bound to come across multiple check posts and tolls where you will need to produce specific documents for the car. But the question is – what documents do you need to keep in your car?
Mandatory Documents to be Carried While Driving
1. Registration Certificate of your Car (RC)
The first thing you want to prove to the traffic police or any other authorities is that the vehicle you are driving belongs to you. The RC of a car fulfils this purpose effectively.
If you’ve recently purchased a car, ensure you get its registration certificate within 7 days before setting out on a drive. Today, you can even Access your RC Online, making it easier to manage and store your car documents list.
2. Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC)
A valid PUCC indicates that your vehicle is not contributing to air pollution. This certificate provides proof of your car’s emission levels. New car owners can avail a PUCC valid for up to a year from their dealer.
If you’re looking to understand the process further, learn How to Get a PUC Certificate in India. This document ensures your car’s emissions are within acceptable limits.
3. Certificate of Vehicle Insurance
All vehicles on the road must have at least third-party insurance, as per the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. You might keep all policy documents safe at home, but the insurance certificate should always be among the documents carried while driving.
4. Driving License
A driving license (DL) is a pivotal document for car trips. But it isn’t just about driving permission. A DL also serves as a proof of identity and can be of different classes depending on the vehicle type. For more details, check out the various Types of Driving Licenses in India.
5. Additional Documents for Road Trips
While the above are mandatory, certain documents like the Vehicle Fitness Certificate ensure your car is fit for public roads. If you need to update this document, you can learn how to Renew Your Vehicle Fitness Certificate. Personal identification documents, like an Aadhaar card and voter ID, are also good to have.
Having soft copies of these documents can save you from potential penalties. With advancements in technology, digital documents are legally valid, especially if they’re on platforms like mParivahan or Digilocker.
The Significance of FASTag
While not a document per se, having a FASTag is crucial for seamless travel on national highways. Uses of FASTag include non-stop movement at toll plazas, thanks to the radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology it uses.
Penalties for Not Carrying Essential Documents
Driving without essential documents can result in hefty penalties:
| Document | Fine Amount | Section of Motor Vehicles Act |
|---|---|---|
| Driving license | Rs.5000 | Section 181 |
| Auto insurance documents | Rs.2000 | Section 196 |
| Valid permits | Up to Rs.10000 | Section 192A |
| RC Book | Rs.2000 | 39 r/w 192 |
| PUC Certificate | Rs.1000 for the first-time offense and Rs.2000 for subsequent offenses | Section 190 (2) |
In Conclusion
Driving in India requires you to be on top of your game, not just on the road but off it too. Always ensure you have your documents ready. And if you’re considering buying a used car, make sure to check out this guide on Documents To Check While Buying A Used Car. Happy and safe driving!
