Essential Car Documents for Every Driver in India

List of Mandatory Documents You Must Have

Here's the car paperwork checklist that every driver should follow:

• Registration Certificate (RC): This is your car's identification document, indicating that it is lawfully registered. Always keep a copy of the original RC.
   
• Driving Licence: Without a valid licence, you are not legally permitted to drive. A soft copy downloaded using the DigiLocker or mParivahan applications is also allowed.
   
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate: This certificate confirms that your vehicle has passed emission standards. To prevent fines, ensure that it is updated on a regular basis.
   
• Insurance Policy Certificate: An insurance certificate, whether Third-Party or Comprehensive, is required. It covers accidents and liabilities, and Third-Party Liability Insurance is mandatory by law.
   
• Road Tax Receipt: Proof that you have paid the mandated road tax at the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
   
• Fitness Certificate (for both private and commercial vehicles): Verifies that your vehicle is roadworthy.

 

How to Keep Your Documents Handy and Safe

A disorganised way to store your car documents list might make life more difficult in an emergency. Here are some tips to keep organised:

Physical folder: Keep all important car documentation in a waterproof folder in the glove compartment.

Digital copies: To store and retrieve digital copies, use applications such as mParivahan or DigiLocker.

Periodic checks: Set up ways to remind yourself to update your insurance policy and PUC certificate before they expire.

Backup copies: Keep scanned copies in cloud storage, such as Google Drive or iCloud, in case of crises.

 

Fines and Penalties for Not Carrying Required Documents

Driving without the necessary documents in India may be rather pricey. According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, penalty for failure to produce documents include the following:

 

Missing RC or Driver's Licence 

If caught without your Registration Certificate (RC) or driving licence, you can face a fine of ₹1500 per document.

 

Expired Insurance Policy 

Driving with invalid insurance coverage is an expensive offence. The first penalty carries a punishment of ₹2000 but escalates to ₹4000 for subsequent offences. Regularly verifying your insurance status might help you avoid these charges.

 

Lack of PUC Certificate  

Not possessing a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate can result in a ₹10,000 penalty for non-compliance. This certificate is required to ensure that your vehicle meets emission standards.

To avoid these fees, simply come up with a vehicle papers checklist. Keeping all of your data up to date and conveniently accessible will help you save money and time on the road.

 

How to Digitally Store and Access Your Car Documents

With the expanding range of digital options, carrying physical copies of your documents is no longer a necessity. DigiLocker and mParivahan, both Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)-approved apps, allow you to save digital versions of your car documents.

• DigiLocker: This program allows you to securely save digital copies of your Registration Certificate (RC), Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and driver's licence, making them available whenever required.
• mParivahan: This app from MoRTH allows easy access to digital documents and vehicle verification.

Using these applications not only helps to decrease the clutter of paper documents but also assures that you have everything you need, even if you leave the physical copies at home. Moreover, traffic authorities accept digital papers, offering you further convenience and peace of mind.

 

Summing Up

Driving legislation can be complicated, but having the proper documents helps you avoid penalties and gives you peace of mind while on the road. Being prepared with your documents to be stored in the car protects you from unexpected penalties.

 

Now that you understand the significance of these documents, consider increasing your protection with an appropriate insurance policy. Shriram Car Insurance provides Comprehensive Car Insurance that is tailored to your specific needs, protecting you against financial burden arising from unexpected car expenses due to accident, theft or loss. Shriram Car Insurance can assist you in securely navigating the roads with affordable Car Insurance premiums and prompt customer service. 

 

FAQs

1. What are the mandatory documents to be kept in car India?

Here are the mandatory driving-related documents you must carry at all times in India:

• Valid Registration Certificate
• Valid Driving Licence
• Valid insurance certificate
• Valid PUC certificate

 

2. Can I carry digital copies of my car documents?

Yes, digital copies stored in apps like DigiLocker and mParivahan are accepted by Indian authorities.

 

3. What happens if I am caught driving without a valid insurance policy?

You will be fined ₹2000 for the first offence and ₹4000 for repeat offences, as per the Motor Vehicles Act.

 

4. Is the PUC certificate mandatory for all vehicles?

Yes, all vehicles must have a valid PUC certificate to ensure they meet emission norms.

 

5. Where can I store a digital version of my vehicle documents list?

Use apps like DigiLocker and mParivahan, which are approved by MoRTH for digital document storage.

 

6. Do I need to carry a fitness certificate for a private car?

Yes, fitness certificates are mandatory for both private and commercial vehicles.

 

7. How often should I renew my car insurance policy?

It depends on your policy duration. Ensure that it is renewed on time to avoid fines and enjoy continuous coverage.