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:

• 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.
• 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.
• Insurance Policy of Your Bike: 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 a bike insurance policy, the registration number of your bike, insurance provider's name, type of insurance, policy tenure, and coverage limit are mentioned.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

Summing It Up!

You must carry all the aforementioned documents while riding a bike on Indian roads. These documents work as a great help when traffic police stops you for checking the documents. In addition to this, if you carry these documents with you all the time while riding, you can contact your insurance provider instantly in case of an unfortunate mishap or a bike breakdown. This is because a comprehensive bike insurance policy provides roadside assistance as well. So, with every document that is mentioned above is of importance while you are riding a bike. Moreover, with new technology, you can now purchase bike insurance online without any hassle.