Are you scheduling a road expedition? Scouring this wonderful country's myriad terrains and rich civilisations can be exciting. Nevertheless, when venturing on a road expedition, it is important to keep all the required documentation of your car handy. These car papers deliver evidence of identification and provide you with a safety net in an emergency.
This blog post discusses the primary car papers you should carry with you to guarantee a smooth and hassle-free road trip.
List of documents to keep while going for a long drive/road trip
As per the 1988 Motor Vehicles Act, every driver must maintain detailed documentation of their car insurance while driving a motor vehicle on public roadways, irrespective of how long their journey is. Loss or failure to retain this documentation constitutes an unlawful crime, and law enforcement authorities may charge a penalty if they find it appropriate.
You should ensure to keep these documents handy for a road trip:
1. Driver's Licence
Your driving license is vital to have while venturing on a road trip. Your driving license not only confirms your driving mastery but also provides you with lawful permission to drive an automobile. Make sure you carry a valid driving license with you at all junctures. Carrying your driver's license along with its photocopy is always advisable. It is possible to maintain digital copies of these documents using government-approved mobile applications.
2. 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. Also, either carry the actual copy of the RC or a notarised photocopy. To ensure a smooth trip, please double-check that all details on your travel documents are accurate and legible.
3. PUC (Pollution Under Control) Certificate
To foster environmental sustainability, the Indian government demands that all automobiles must possess a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate. This certification signifies that your automobile’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.
4. Car Insurance Certificate
Car insurance is essential for safeguarding yourself and your vehicle against unpredictable occurrences. It is mandatory to hold a valid car insurance certificate while driving. This record acts as car insurance coverage proof and can be helpful in possibilities of casualties or lawful matters. While choosing an insurance policy for your car, keep these things in mind to make a better choice.
5. Aadhaar Card
Your Aadhaar Card is a unique identification record provided by the Government of India.
For the purposes of identification, Aadhaar Card plays an extremely important role. While it might not be directly related to your car, carrying your Aadhaar Card can be helpful in identification during your road journey. It has your name, residential address, and other essential information. Keeping the original one along with a photocopy is advisable.
6. Passport
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.
7. 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 license is a combination of your home country's driving license and is acknowledged internationally. Ensure to bring your International as well as domestic driving license. In order to avail an international driver’s license, you can visit the RTO in whose jurisdiction you reside.
8. Permits
Some Indian states require additional permits for your vehicle to enter their territories. For example, if you intend to visit the state of Sikkim or any prohibited areas like Ladakh, you must get inner-line access. Ensure you understand and carry all the required documents before adding these states to your itinerary. For credible information, refer to the official website of the state that you are planning to visit.