List of Documents to Carry When Riding a Bike

Mandatory Documents to Carry While Riding a Bike

Bike documents are required for both legal and identification purposes. According to the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, you must carry certain documents while riding your bike. Mentioned below is the list of mandatory documents while riding a two-wheeler on the roads of India:

1. Rider's Driving License
2. Registration Certificate of the Bike
3. Two-Wheeler Insurance Policy
4. Fitness certificate of bike
5. Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC)

Detailed description of these documents is mentioned below:

1. Rider's Driving License:

   Driving License or DL is the document that provides permission to ride a 2 wheeler legally on roads. DL is issued by the RTO after you apply for it and pass a driving test. In addition to this, the Driving License includes the details of the types of vehicles that you are eligible to ride or drive. For example, two-wheeler, and four-wheeler both, a vehicle with gear or without gear, etc. According to the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, it is compulsory for a bike rider to carry his/her driving license while riding as riding a bike without a driving license is a punishable offence.

2. Registration Certificate of Your Bike:

   Registration certificate is commonly known as RC. It is one of the most important documents of your two-wheeler and you must carry it all the time while riding. A bike's RC will help you prove the legitimacy of your bike and make sure that it is registered with the Regional Transportation Office (RTO). This document contains the registration number of your bike, vehicle's owner details, make and model of your bike, etc.

3. Bike Insurance Policy:

   While riding a two-wheeler on Indian roads, it is mandatory to get it insured at least with a third-party two-wheeler insurance policy. You must carry this document with you as this serves as a proof that your two-wheeler is insured. It is mandatory to have at least third-party liability insurance for your bike, but you can also opt for a bike insurance that even covers damage caused to your vehicle as well. In abike insurance policy, the registration number of your bike, insurance provider's name, type of insurance, policy tenure, and coverage limit are mentioned.

4. Fitness Certificate of Your Bike:

   A new two-wheeler is considered fit to travel on roads until it becomes 15 years old. After 15 years, you need to have a fitness certificate of your bike to continue riding it on the roads and after that you need to renew it after every two-years.

5. Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC):

   It is mandatory as per the law to have an emission certificate of your bike before running it on public roads. The Pollution Under Control Certificate contains the level to which your two-wheeler emits the pollution along with the bike's registration number. This document certifies that the carbon monoxide that is emitted by your two-wheeler is within the permissible limit that are approved by the authorities. Therefore, the PUCC is an important document you must have while riding your bikes on Indian roads.

6. Medical Certificate:

   For those who are more than 50 years old, they should produce a medical certificate whenever the authorities ask for it. The medical certificate works as a disclaimer that you are fit medically for riding a two-wheeler. This certificate must be issued by the certifying doctor that the applicant is medically fit to have a driving license and ride a two-wheeler.

Are Digital Copies of Bike Documents Valid?

With the rise of digitisation, bike riders can now store their vehicle documents digitally. Soft copies of DL, RC, and two wheeler insurance are considered valid when stored in:

• DigiLocker app
• mParivahan app

These platforms are legally approved and accepted by traffic authorities across India. However, screenshots or photos stored in the gallery may not be accepted in all cases. It is advisable to keep documents uploaded in authorised digital platforms or carry physical copies when travelling long distances.

Is it Mandatory to Carry Original Documents While Riding a Bike?

Original documents are not always required if valid digital versions are available in DigiLocker or mParivahan. Still, it is recommended to carry:

• Original Driving License (where possible)
• Original PUCC (for verification)
• Bike Insurance Policy (whenever you take a ride)

Carrying originals helps avoid disputes during on-spot checking or inter-state travel.

Penalties for Not Carrying Bike Documents

If you fail to produce the required documents during inspection, you may be fined under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. Fines may apply for:

• Riding without a Driving License
• Riding without a Valid Insurance Policy
• Not carrying RC or Fitness Certificate (where applicable)
• Absence of a valid PUCC

In some cases, the vehicle may also be seized until documents are produced. Keeping all documents handy helps avoid unnecessary penalties and legal trouble.

Documents Required for New or Temporary Registered Bikes

If you are riding a newly purchased bike with a temporary registration, you must carry:

• Temporary Registration Slip
• Purchase Invoice
• Valid Bike Insurance Policy

Once permanent registration is issued, the RC must be updated and carried while riding.

Documents Required When Riding a Second-Hand Bike

If you are riding a pre-owned or transferred bike, ensure the following documents are updated in your name:

• Transfered RC
• Updated Bike Insurance Policy
• Valid PUCC
• Sale or transfer receipt (if applicable)

Riding a used bike without ownership transfer may lead to legal complications during claims or accident situations.

Documents to Carry While Riding an Electric Two-Wheeler

For EV bikes and scooters, most document requirements remain the same. Riders should carry:

• Driving License
• Registration Certificate (if applicable)
• Electric two-wheeler insurance policy or e-bike insurance policy
• Purchase invoice (for new vehicles, if asked)

Low-speed EVs exempt from registration must still comply with local traffic regulations.

Basic Traffic Rules While Riding a Bike

Apart from carrying the necessary documents, you must also follow the traffic rules mentioned below while riding a bike on roads:

• Always wear a helmet and make sure that pillion rider is also wearing a helmet.
• Always keep your left on a road that is two-way.
• Never ride without mandatory documents like RC, DL, Two-wheeler insurance policy, Fitness certificate, PUCC, medical certificate (if required), etc.
• Maintain the discipline of the lane.
• Use hand signals when needed.
• Make sure the registration number of your vehicle is clearly visible.
• Use turn signals or indicators for letting others know you are taking a right or left turn.
• Never honk unnecessarily.
• Always provide a way to pedestrians.
• Never ride on footpaths.
• Follow the traffic signals and signs on the road diligently.
• Slow down at road intersections, road corners, junctions, crossings for pedestrians, etc.

FAQs – List of Mandatory Bike Documents