Long road trips are the best way to unwind from the hubbub of daily life, exploring the unknown and enjoying the sense of freedom new destinations offer. However, planning a road trip requires preparation, including certain important documents, so you can experience a comfortable journey without any legal troubles.
Beyond choosing a car that is suitable for the long drive, there is a list of essentials that you must carry. The most important in this list are the critical paperwork, including driver’s licence, car registration certificate, PUC, car insurance, Aadhar card, passport, international driving licence and permits for specific states. Find out more about this checklist and all that you need to enjoy a smooth and comfortable road adventure.
List of documents to keep while going for a long drive/road trip
You should be sure to keep these documents handy for a road trip:
- Driver's licence
- Your driver's licence is important to have during a road trip. Your driving licence not only confirms your driving skills but also provides you with lawful permission to drive an automobile. Make sure you carry a valid driving licence with you at all times.
- Car’s registration certificate
The Registration Certificate (RC) is another crucial piece of paper you should keep. It verifies the ownership of the automobile and holds required information like the chassis number, engine number and vehicle registration number.
- PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate
The Indian government demands that all automobiles must possess a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate. This certification signifies that your vehicle’s emissions are within acceptable limits. It is essential to obtain a PUC certificate from an authorised emission testing centre and keep it with you during your road trip.
- Four wheeler insurance certificate
Four wheeler insurance is a mandatory document for protecting yourself and your vehicle against unpredictable occurrences. This record acts as car insurance coverage proof and can be helpful in possibilities of third-party damage or lawful matters. Hence, you should at least select a third party car insurance policy for coverage in case of third-party casualties or property damage.
Your Aadhaar Card is a unique identification record provided by the Government of India. It has your name, residential address, and other essential information. While it might not be directly related to your car, carrying your Aadhaar Card can be helpful in identification during your road journey.
Carrying your Passport is necessary if you are planning an international road trip or touring neighbouring nations. Ensure you have a valid Passport, and keep a photocopy of the required pages. A Passport gets accepted as identification proof internationally.
- International driving licence
If you are a global traveller planning to visit India, an international driving licence is obligatory to drive an automobile lawfully. This licence is a combination of your home country's driving licence and is acknowledged internationally.
Some Indian states require additional permits for your vehicle to enter their territories. For example, the state of Arunachal or areas like Ladakh require inner-line permits (ILP).
Things to check before going on a road trip
These checks ensure your car is ready to cover the long journey:
- Car battery: Check that the car battery is functioning properly. Ensure the electrical wirings and system are in the right condition.
- Tyre pressure: Ensure the right levels of pressure in all the tyres of your car, even the spare one. They should not be overinflated or underinflated.
- Fuel level: Always fill your fuel tank completely before starting on a long road trip.
- Fluid levels: Besides fuel, check engine oil and brake oil, along with the transmission, power steering, radiator and windscreen fluid.
- Coolant: Check the coolant levels to avoid engine overheating.
Conclusion
As you plan your next road trip, remember to maintain all the necessary car documents for a secure and hassle-free journey. From your driving licence to RC, passport to PUC, these documents can be required at any time of your trip. Especially a third party car insurance policy, in case of an unfortunate incident that requires coverage of third-party damage. With these records in order, you can approach your road journey with peace of mind.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.