The amended Motor Vehicle Act has increased the amount of penalties for not carrying necessary documents while driving a vehicle in India. Everyone behind those wheels must clearly know the set of documents they should have to escape paying heavy fines.
As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, drivers on roads are always legally liable to carry certain documents. Here is a list that you should learn by heart, or carry in a file before setting out on the road.
FIRST
RC (Registration Certificate)
RC is the official document that serves as the legal proof of registration of your vehicle. The government uses this document to maintain the record of every registered vehicle at pan India level. Vehicle owners are expected to apply for registration at their nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) within the 7 days of purchase of the vehicle.
SECOND
PUC (Pollution Under Control) Certificate
PUC certificate is given to every vehicle whose pollution levels are within the permissible limits defined by the government. This certificate is a legal proof that your vehicle is fit for driving and is producing emissions within the allowed limit. It is a mandatory document to carry. Failing to produce Pollution certificate to traffic police could result in heavy penalties. They can be obtained from authorised centres present at most petrol pumps.
THIRD
DL (Driving Licence)
A driving licence is a proof that you are legally fit to drive in India. You need to apply for a driving licence at the regional RTO. The applicant is first provided a temporary or learning driving licence. After one month, the applicant is required to give a driving test. On successful completion of the driving test, RTO issues a permanent driving licence. During the driving test, the applicant is expected to know all the traffic rules and should have proper command over the vehicle. A driving licence is also an acceptable document to be used as an identity proof at various places.
FOURTH
Insurance Policy
It is a legal requirement for each vehicle to at least have a third party insurance. However, for additional protection and lower liabilities, vehicle owners can opt for a comprehensive vehicle insurance plan. Vehicle owners are always required to carry the certificate of their insurance policy while driving.
Permits (for commercial vehicles)
Owners of commercial vehicles are required to get permits from concerned RTO offices for operations within a particular geography. State and national permits can be taken as per the requirement of operations.
Commercial Vehicles are also required to get a proper fitness certificate from the regional RTO to ensure that the vehicle is fit to operate in public space.
Happy Driving!
