Documentation Necessary for Riding a Bike in India

Riders can navigate through bustling metropolitan cities with their chaotic traffic, narrow lanes, and swarming crowds. However, when riding a bike in India, it is mandatory to carry several bike documents for legal compliance, including the bike’s registration certificate, driving licence, two-wheeler insurance and Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
If found riding a bike without any of the above documents can result in a violation of law and hefty penalties. Typically, bike insurance in India is classified into three types – third-party bike insurance(mandatory), own damage insurance for bikes and comprehensive bike insurance.
By the end of this post, you will find out every document required for bike purchase and riding in India.
List of Documents Required for Bike Purchase in India
Your chosen automobile dealer will request these bike documents to update their records and for various administrative purposes. During the buying process, you will be required to provide the following documents:
Identity Proof | Aadhaar Card, Driving Licence, PAN Card, Voting Card or any other government-issued identity card |
Address Proof | Rental agreements, Utility bills, Legal land documents, Aadhar Card |
Nationality Proof | Passports, Voter ID Cards, Aadhar Cards |
Income Proof | Bank statements – for salaried employees
Income tax returns – for self-employed people |
Passport Size Photographs | A recent photo with a white background |
List of Documents Required for Riding a Bike in India
In India, the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act of 1988 legally requires every vehicle owner to possess these new bike documents list to operate a motor vehicle on Indian roads. If a traffic police officer or Motor Vehicles Department official requests to inspect any of these documents while riding on a public road, it is your obligation to present them, as required by law.
Driving Licence
A driving licence is an essential official document in India issued by the Regional Transport Authority/Office (RTA/RTO) that permits an individual to operate different categories of motor vehicles. The Motor Vehicles Act mandates that any person driving a vehicle on a highway or public road must always possess a valid driving licence.
Registration Certificate (RC)
The Registration Certificate (RC), also known as the vehicle’s official record, is necessary for operating two-wheelers. Issued by the RTO (Regional Transport Office) of your state, it confirms the vehicle’s registration with the Indian government and contains the identification number, owner’s details, and other vehicle information.
The RC is valid for 15 years, after which it can be renewed for another five years.
Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC)
It is mandatory by law to have a Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) for your bike before running it on public roads. The PUCC certifies the level of pollution your two-wheeler emits and confirms that the carbon monoxide emissions are within the permissible limits approved by the authorities.
It is essential to carry the PUC certificate while riding your bike on Indian roads, as traffic police or officials from the Motor Vehicles Department may request to inspect it.
Bike Insurance Policy
When operating a two-wheeler on Indian roads, it is mandatory to have at least a third-party two-wheeler insurance policy, which you must carry as proof of insurance. While third-party liability insurance is required, you can also opt for comprehensive bike insurance for enhanced coverage.
A bike insurance paper includes details such as the registration number, insurance provider’s name, insurance coverage type, policy tenure, and coverage limit.
Fitness Certificate (For Older Motorcycle) and Necessary Permits
Similar to various items, a bike also has a lifespan. Hence, if your two-wheeler exceeds 15 years of age, obtaining a fitness certificate becomes obligatory, which you must carry while using the bike. The fitness certificate for your bike needs to be renewed biennially.
When using a vehicle primarily for transportation, it is essential to possess the required permits for operating the vehicle, whether within the state or nationally.
Rules and Regulations for Riding a Bike in India
- Yield to pedestrians and avoid riding on footpaths.
- Wear a helmet, and ensure pillions do the same.
- Use hand signals when necessary and use turn indicators for left/right turns.
- Slow down at intersections, junctions, road corners, and pedestrian crossings.
- Don’t pass a vehicle overtaking
- Don’t park on footpaths, flyovers, bridges, or near road intersections.
Conclusion
While purchasing a two-wheeler may be an affordable investment, violating traffic regulations can result in substantial penalties. To prevent such situations, it is crucial to carry all the necessary bike documents while riding a bike and strictly adhere to all traffic rules and guidelines.
This will ensure a safe and responsible driving experience and avoid potential fines or legal consequences.