Important Documents You Must Have When Riding Your Bike

When you’re a bike owner, you can manage your daily commutes in an affordable fashion. Two-wheelers are effective in beating heavy traffic and reducing your dependency on public transport. However, if you’re planning to drive your two-wheeler on Indian roads, there are certain documents that you must hold at all times. You may be asked to produce them by a traffic police officer or when you meet with an accident.

Essential documents you should have when riding your bike

• Driving licence: Your driving licence validates that you are fit to drive your bike on the roads. The RTO issues the licence after you have passed the driving test. The driving licence specifies the type of vehicles you are allowed to drive. As per the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA), it is a punishable offence to drive your vehicle without a valid driving licence.
• Insurance policy for your bike: You need a current bike insurance policy to ride your vehicle on the roads. If not a comprehensive insurance plan, bike owners must at least have a third-party insurance plan. As it is a legal mandate to get a two-wheeler insurance plan for your bike, you can also opt for an affordable plan.

If you’re looking to buy two wheeler insurance, you can also get bike insurance online. Many insurance companies have added different features online to help individuals purchase a suitable plan for themselves.

If you decide to buy the TATA AIG two wheeler policy, you can use their insurance calculator to make an informed decision. You have to provide your bike insurance details, and the calculator will provide you with premium quotes. It is an easy way to get an estimate on the bike insurance price.

• Registration certificate: A registration certificate is generally called ‘RC’ and is among the most important documents of your two-wheeler. You should hold your registration certificate with you at all times when driving your vehicle. An RC is a proof that the vehicle is legitimate, legally acquired and registered with the RTO (Regional Transportation Office).
• Your bike’s fitness certificate: Any two-wheeler is considered fit to be taken on Indian roads until it is 15 years old. Thereafter, you must have a fitness certificate to continue to ride it on the roads, and after that, you will have to renew it every two years. Therefore, if you own a bike that is 15 or more years old, you must carry a fitness certificate with you at all times.
• Medical certificate: Bike owners who are aged 50 or more must provide a medical certificate whenever the road authorities ask for it. The medical certificate is proof that they are fit medically to ride a two-wheeler.
• PUC certificate: As per the law, bike owners must hold a valid PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate while taking their vehicle on public roads. The certificate gives the emission levels from your bike and the vehicle’s registration number. The PUC certificate is necessary to prove that the carbon monoxide emitted by your two-wheeler is below the allowed limit.

Besides the documents that you must carry when riding a bike, you must follow a few rules of driving.

• Always wear a helmet and ensure the pillion rider is wearing a helmet as well.
• Maintain lane discipline.
• Use hand signals to indicate to other riders on the road, so there are no pile-ups or accidents.
• Always keep to the left on a two-way road.
• Your vehicle’s registration number should be identifiable on your vehicle.
• You must use indicators or turn signals to let other vehicles know about the direction you are planning to take.
• You should always provide a way for pedestrians to cross the road.
• Never ride on footpaths.
• It would be best if you used your horn only when necessary.
• You should follow all the traffic signs on the road.
• You must maintain a slow speed during corners, junctions, crossings, etc., to avoid accidents or injuries.

Final Words

Thus, if you’re a bike owner, you must carry the necessary documents while riding your vehicle. It is not only a legal requirement but also a necessary condition for claiming insurance in case of any untoward incident. So remember to keep them with you whenever you ride out.

A Quick Look at Some Common Queries:

• What are the documents required for a two-wheeler loan?

You will need to provide income proof, bank statement, age proof, application form, KYC documents and passport size photographs. Originals and sufficient copies of these documents will help you with a smooth loan process.

• Do I need to carry the original RC?

Carrying the original RC or driving licence is not necessary. You can hold a copy of your documents and provide them to the police officer if and when required.

• Do I need to carry insurance documents?

Yes, carrying a copy of your insurance documents when you’re driving your vehicle is quite useful. It will help in quick response during any untoward incident like breakdown, accident etc.