Whether you are going on a short bike road trip or a long-distance one, you must carry some mandatory documents for riding on public roads. These are required to verify the rider’s identity and the two-wheeler you are riding for various other legal purposes.
You may need to produce them during routine vehicle inspections, and having them handy can ensure that your bike road trip goes on without any legal hassles. By reading this blog, find out the documents to carry when leaving for a bike road trip.
7 Documents to Keep Handy When Leaving for a Bike Road Trip
1. Driving Licence
In case you are pulled over at any point during your bike road trip, the first thing that the traffic police ask for is your driving licence. It is an RTO-issued document that validates your identity and the type of vehicle you are permitted to operate.
Under the 1988 Motor Vehicles Act, you must carry your driving licence whenever riding your bike. Failure to produce your driving licence when pulled over can result in hefty penalties.
2. PUC Certificate
Your bike’s Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate proves that its emissions fall within permissible limits and comply with government-approved emission standards. Thus, carrying a PUC certificate of vehicle is crucial when riding on public roads.
If you have a bike with a BS-IV or BS 6 engine, you must renew your PUC annually from its issue date. Not carrying the PUC or having an expired one can result in hefty fines.
Also read: PUC mandatory for vehicle insurance renewals, rules SC
3. Registration Certificate
Another essential document you must keep handy before leaving for your road trip is the bike’s registration certificate (RC). This document contains important details like the bike’s registration number, make/type, emission norms, owner’s details, etc.
The registration certificate confirms that your two-wheeler is registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Not carrying your bike’s RC while riding on public roads is a punishable offence and can lead to penalties.
4. Bike’s Fitness Certificate
According to the law, a new two-wheeler is fit to operate on public roads until it reaches the age of 15. After that, you need to get a fitness certificate for your bike to continue riding it on public roads and renew it after every two years.
Thus, if your two-wheeler is more than 15 years old, you must carry a bike fitness certificate.
5. Bike Insurance Policy
As per the MV Act 1988, every vehicle owner must have at least third-party bike insurance coverage. Thus, it is mandatory for you to have at least a TP two-wheeler insurance policy when you go on a bike road trip.
Furthermore, comprehensive bike insurance provides financial coverage for both own damages as well as third-party damages. Therefore, choose a reliable insurer that has an extensive cashless garage network and offers roadside assistance.
6. Rider’s Medical Certificate
If you are over 50, you may need to show a medical certificate to the authorities during routine vehicle inspections. A doctor should issue it, claiming that you are medically fit to ride a two-wheeler.
Also read: Bengaluru man pays hefty traffic fine, poses with cops
7. ID Proof
Although not a legal requirement, carrying your personal identity documents is always recommended. These documents help validate the information on your driving licence and the bike’s RC during routine vehicle inspections and serve as additional verification in case you get into an unfortunate accident.
Carrying a government-issued ID, such as your Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, or passport, can be the best choice in this regard.
Now that you know the documents to carry when leaving for a bike road trip, please ensure you check their expiry dates beforehand. Moreover, you can carry digital copies of your essential documents as a backup in case the originals get lost.
Happy Riding!
Pic: Amazonaws.com
