Driving in India requires adherence to specific legal requirements, including carrying mandatory documents to ensure compliance with traffic laws and to safeguard against potential penalties. This blog outlines the essential documents every driver must have, ways to keep them secure, the consequences of non-compliance, methods for digital storage, and addresses frequently asked questions.
List of mandatory documents you must have
If you are driving on public roads in India, you should always carry the documents listed below. Not having any of these on your person can lead to heavy fines.
Registration certificate
This document acts as proof that you have registered your vehicle with a regional transport office. When you get a new car, you need to apply for registration at the regional transport office within 7 days of the purchase. A registration certificate is valid for 15 years, and can be renewed for a period of 5 years. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 makes having a registration certificate mandatory for all motor vehicles plying on Indian roads.
PUC Certificate
A pollution under control certificate proves that your vehicle meets the emission requirements defined for motor vehicles on Indian roads. If your vehicle does not meet the pollution control norms, it is not allowed to be driven on Indian roads. To get a PUC certificate, get your car tested at any of the authorised testing centres. You could find these at most petrol pumps.
Driving license
The Motor Vehicle Act also makes having a driving license mandatory for all driving a motor vehicle in India. You cannot get a permanent driving license on your first application itself. You would be issued a learner’s license to begin with, after a month of this you will have to appear for a driving test at an RTO. The license is issued only if you pass the driving test. Remember to carry it on your vehicle at all times. Driving license is also accepted as an identity proof by various organizations.
Insurance policy
All vehicles on Indian roads must be covered by at least a third-party car insurance. Further, a personal accident cover of at least Rs 15 lakh is a must for all driving on Indian roads. That said, it is advisable to get comprehensive car insurance for complete protection from any losses that can arise from an accident or damage to your car. You should always carry the certificate of insurance in your vehicle. The actual policy can be stored elsewhere.
Any other required permits
If you are driving a vehicle for commercial purpose, you should carry all required permits in your car as well. You may also need to have a certificate of fitness showing that the vehicle is fit to ride on public roads.
It a police official pulls you over any time, you should be able to provide the documents listed above. If you are missing any, you could not only face heavy fines but your vehicle may also be confiscated.
How to keep your documents handy and safe?
- Physical Storage: Keep all original documents in a waterproof folder within your vehicle's glove compartment to protect them from damage.
- Digital Copies: Utilise government-approved apps like DigiLocker and mParivahan to store digital versions of your documents. These digital copies are legally recognised and can be presented during inspections.
- Regular Updates: Set reminders to renew documents like the PUC certificate and insurance policy before they expire to maintain continuous compliance.
- Backup Copies: Maintain scanned copies of all essential documents in secure cloud storage platforms, ensuring access if loss or damage to physical copies.
Fines and penalties for not carrying required documents
Non-compliance with mandatory documentation can result in significant fines under the 1988 Motor Vehicles Act:
- Driving Licence: Absence of a valid driving licence can lead to a fine of ₹5,000.
- Insurance Certificate: Not possessing valid insurance attracts a ₹2,000 penalty for the first offence and ₹4,000 for subsequent violations.
- Registration Certificate (RC): Failure to produce the RC can result in a fine of ₹2,000.
- PUC Certificate: Driving without a valid PUC certificate may incur a fine of ₹1,000 for the first offence and ₹2,000 for subsequent violations.
How to digitally store and access your car documents?
Embracing digital solutions for document storage enhances convenience and reduces the risk of misplacing physical copies:
- DigiLocker: An initiative by the Government of India, DigiLocker allows users to securely store digital copies of essential documents. By linking your Aadhaar number, you can upload and access your driving licence, RC, and insurance papers anytime.
- mParivahan: This app provides access to digital copies of your vehicle documents and offers real-time verification services. It is widely accepted by traffic authorities across India.
Both platforms ensure that your digital documents are legally valid during traffic inspections, aligning with the government's push towards digital governance.
FAQs
- What essential documents must be kept in a car while driving in India?
The following documents are mandatory for driving in India:
- A valid Registration Certificate (RC)
- A valid Driving Licence
- A valid Car Insurance Certificate
- A valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
- Are digital copies of vehicle documents acceptable?
Digital copies stored in government-approved apps like DigiLocker and mParivahan are legally recognised and accepted by traffic authorities.
- What are the consequences of driving without valid insurance?
If caught driving without valid car insurance, you may be fined ₹2,000 for the first offence and ₹4,000 for subsequent violations, as per the Motor Vehicles Act.
- Is a PUC certificate compulsory for all vehicles?
Every vehicle must have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate to comply with emission standards and environmental regulations.
- Where can I store digital copies of my car documents?
You can securely store digital versions of your vehicle documents in DigiLocker or mParivahan, both recognised by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
- Do private cars need a fitness certificate?
A fitness certificate is mandatory for commercial vehicles, but private cars typically do not require one unless specified under certain regulations.
- How frequently should I renew my car insurance?
Car insurance should be renewed before its expiration date to ensure continuous coverage and avoid penalties. The renewal frequency depends on the policy duration.
- What happens if I drive without a valid PUC certificate?
Driving without a valid PUC certificate leads to fines, and in some cases, your vehicle may be restricted from use until compliance is met. The penalty amount varies by state.
- Can I drive alone on a road trip with a learner's licence?
A learner's licence does not permit solo driving. You must be accompanied by a valid licence holder while driving. Driving alone with a learner's licence is illegal and can result in fines.
- Do I need to carry original documents while driving?
Yes, carrying original copies of your driving licence, vehicle registration certificate, insurance, and PUC certificate is recommended, as traffic authorities may require them for verification.
Conclusion
Following the legal requirements while driving in India is essential for a hassle-free experience and your safety on the road. Keeping all mandatory documents, like your registration certificate, driving licence, and car insurance, ensures you're always prepared. It's also important to renew your car insurance online on time to avoid penalties and ensure continuous coverage. If you've maintained a claim-free record, don't forget to check your NCB in car insurance, as it can help you save on premiums. Staying organised with your documents keeps you legally compliant and makes your journeys stress-free and safer.
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.