If you’re like most people, you get in your car and drive away without much thought. However, if you get stopped by the police or have an accident, many new questions arise. Do you have an updated and valid driver’s licence and vehicle registration? What about car insurance documentation? Above all, do you have a pollution certificate? You could face serious consequences, such as hefty fines and even a jail term if you don’t have these documents. That is why it can be critical to always have certain documents with you when driving. Here are five records that you should have with you while driving.
Licence to drive:
If you intend to drive, there happen to be five documents that you should have with you. The most important things to focus on would be your driver’s licence. This is the most important document because it proves that you have the legal right to drive a vehicle. If you get pulled over or involved in an accident, this may be the first thing law enforcement may request. You can be fined Rs 5,000 under the latest Motor Vehicle Act if you do not have your driving licence.
Certificate of registration (RC):
Check to see if you have your registration certificate! This document serves as proof that your vehicle has been registered with the state. You could be pulled over and fined if you don’t have it. So, before you hit the road, double-check that your registration is still with you. The RC is also an important document that can be required when you buy or renew car insurance or raise a claim.
If you get pulled over and do not have your registration certificate, you may face a Rs 10,000 fine or six months in prison. If caught doing it again, you can be fined Rs 15,000 and/or imprisoned for two years.
Third-party car insurance protection:
Did you know that if you’re pulled over for a routine document check, one of the first things the cop may ask to see is your proof of car insurance? It can result in severe penalties such as hefty fines and even the suspension of one’s driver’s licence.
A challan for Rs. 2000 and/or a three-month prison time with community service can be issued by the traffic police.
How to check car insurance expiry date?
- Examine your car insurance policy.
- Inquire with the insurer’s customer service about the expiry date.
- If you purchased the policy through your insurance agent, inquire about the expiration date with the agent.
- Check the status of your policy on the Insurance Information Bureau (IIB) of India’s website.
- Check the policy status on the Parivahan Sewa website.
Environmental certification:
The Indian government is emphasising pollution certificates in response to deteriorating air quality and rapid climate change. The driver of every vehicle, with two or four wheels, should have a Pollution-Under-Check (PUC) certificate. This is required to determine whether the car emits carbon beyond an acceptable limit. If you get pulled over and found driving without a PUC, you could face up to 6 months in prison, a Rs 10,000 fine, or both.
Identity card:
It may not be required, but it is recommended that you carry legal identification to prove who is driving the vehicle. In an emergency, an Aadhar Card, Passport, or another document should always be carried.
‘Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale. ‘