Essential Documents Every Driver Must Carry in India: Complete Checklist
Whether you drive daily within the city or are heading out on a long road trip, it is importantRead more
Mandatory Car Documents Required While Diving
As per Indian motor laws, every car owner should carry certain documents if driven on public roads. Whether you are a local commuter or going for a road trip, traffic authorities may ask you to present the following vehicle documents:
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Registration Certificate (RC) of your Car
The registration certificate (RC) is one of the most important documents related to a car. It serves as proof that your car is legally registered with the RTO (Regional Transport Office). The RC contains the following important details:
- Vehicle Registration Number (VRN)
- Car owner's name and address
- Chassis number of the vehicle
- Engine number of the vehicle
- Vehicle class and registration details
During routine checks, traffic authorities may ask for your RC, particularly at interstate borders or highway checkpoints. If the vehicle ownership details have recently changed, you need to make sure that the RC has the updated information before you take a journey.
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Valid Car Insurance Certificate
Another essential document required while driving is a valid car insurance policy. As per the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, every car plying on public roads must be covered under an insurance policy with at least third-party coverage. This means if your car is stopped by the authorities and you are unable to produce your car policy, you may face a hefty fine and/or imprisonment of up to 3 months.
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Driving Licence of the Driver/ Vehicle Owner
Make sure to also carry your driving licence while going for a road trip or a long drive. A driving licence is an official document issued by a Regional Transport Office (RTO) confirming that you have cleared the driving test and are qualified to drive a car. Driving a car without a valid driving licence is a punishable offence. Moreover, if your car gets damaged on the road trip while you are driving in the absence of a driver's licence, you will not be eligible to raise an insurance claim. Even the right car insurance companies will reject your claim under such circumstances. Thus to avoid any legal trouble, you must carry your driving licence with you.
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Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
Lastly, you must carry a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate of your car during your road trip/long drive. The PUC certificate is a document declaring that the gases/smoke emitted from your car meets the emission standards set by the relevant authority. It states that the emitted gases/smoke is not harmful and does not cause pollution. The PUC certificate is issued at the pollution check kiosk located at authorised petrol pumps. The process is computerised and you need to produce your car's RC to initiate the procedure. The PUC certificate is valid either for three or six months and, therefore, should be renewed before expiry. If you are caught driving your car without a valid PUC certificate, you may be penalised.
By keeping these documents handy, you can avoid delays, penalties, and unnecessary inconvenience at the time of vehicle inspections.
Can You Show Vehicle Documents on Your Phone During a Traffic Check?
Yes, you can show your vehicle documents on your phone when stopped by the traffic police. As per Rule 139 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, as well as the Information Technology Act, 2000, digital copies of your vehicle documents stored on government-approved platforms like DigiLocker and mParivahan are valid. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) mandates that traffic police and enforcement authorities across India accept these digital documents. Therefore, it is legal to digitally present your vehicle-related documents, such as:
- Driving Licence (DL)
- Registration Certificate (RC)
- Car insurance policy
- Other vehicle records
Additional Documents That May be Useful During a Road Trip
Here are some other necessary documents that you may or may not need on a road trip. While these are not mandatory for every trip, you may need a valid ID and emergency information for hotel check-ins, interstate travel, or vehicle inspections.
- Aadhar Card
- Passport
- International Driving licence (for international trips)
- Voter ID Card
- Vehicle's Fitness Certificate
- Medical Insurance Card
- Emergency Contact Information
You may like to Read: 9 Things to Keep in Mind in Case Your Car is Stopped by the Traffic Police
Things to Check Before Going on a Road Trip or Long Drive
If a road trip or long drive is on the cards, you must check the following things before commencing your trip:
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Check your Car's Battery
Do not forget to check the battery condition of your car before the trip. Make sure that the electrical charging system of your car's battery is functioning smoothly. A dying or corroding battery could lead to a sluggish sound when starting your car. In case of corrosion, remove the white chalky substance from the battery before the trip. In case your battery is dying, expired or is more than three years old, you must replace the battery with a new one before you commence your trip.
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Check the Air Pressure in your Car's Tyres
You must also check the air pressure in all the tyres of your car before starting your trip. Make sure that the tyres are not under or over-inflated as it can result in a bumpy ride, premature wear of the tyres, overheating or a blowout. Moreover, you must also check the treads on your tyres as your car will easily skid if the treads are not very deep. Also, don't forget to check the spare tyre of your car for the same things.
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Check the Fuel/Battery Level in your Car
Another important thing to check before going on a long drive or road trip is the fuel level in your car or the battery level in case of an electric vehicle (EV). You must fill up the fuel tank of your car and charge your EV's battery adequately to ensure that you don't face any trouble during your journey.
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Engine Oil and Other Fluid Levels
Besides the fuel or battery levels, you must also check other important fluids in your car, such as:
- Engine oil (using the dipstick, top up if below the minimum mark)
- Coolant or radiator fluid
- Brake oil
- Power steering fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
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Check the Condition of your Car's Brakes
Before you begin your road trip, you must check the condition of your car's brakes. A faulty brake will give warning signs, such as a grinding and squeaking noises, sponginess of the brake pedal and shaking of the steering wheel. In case of these signs, you must check the brake pads, drums, hoses and rotors apart from the brake fluid.
Emergency Kit: What Else to Keep in Your Car
Besides the vehicle documents, make sure to carry the following items, as these may be useful during any emergency or unexpected car breakdowns:
- First-aid kit: antiseptics, bandages, pain relief tablets, and any personal medicines
- Cash: Some toll plazas in remote areas may not have FasTag or reliable network for UPI payments
- Mobile Power Bank: Maps and digital documents require a working phone
- Crucial Contacts: A physical card/diary with important phone numbers (family, doctor, insurance company) in case your phone's battery dies
- Torch: A flashlight with spare batteries
- Reflective warning triangle: If you need to stop on a highway, particularly at night
- Basic Tools: A tyre inflator, puncture repair kit, car jack, and wheel spanner
Summing It Up
Driving in India requires you to have the right documents and a well-maintained car. So before heading out, make sure you have your driving licence, RC, an active car insurance policy, and a valid PUC certificate. Moreover, check the condition of your vehicle's tyres, brakes, battery, and fluid levels. These simple practices can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and allow you to have a safer travel experience. Also, compare car insurance plans by different motor insurers before choosing a policy as per your vehicle's needs.
