Stay Compliant And Avoid RTO Fines: Instantly Check RC, Insurance, PUC, DL & HSRP Status

Important Documents for Vehicles in India

1. Registration Certificate (RC)

The Registration Certificate (RC) is a primary document that proves your vehicle is legally registered with the RTO. It is central to all Vehicle Registration Compliance checks conducted by the traffic police.

What is on the RC?

• Owner’s Name and Address

• Register Number

• Class of Vehicle (Private or Commercial)

• Chassis Number

• Engine Number

• Year of Manufacture

• Type of fuel

• Colour and model particulars

• Validity of RC

Because the RC appears in every vehicle's documents required for traffic police inspection, carrying it is compulsory.

Smart Card RC & Digital RC
In most states, a Smart Card is being issued as an RC instead of a booklet. Drivers can keep a digital version of the RC on:

• DigiLocker app for Android and iOS

• mParivahan app or Android and iOS

Because the RC appears in every vehicle documents required for traffic police inspection, carrying it is compulsory.

2. Driving License (DL)

A Driving Licence legally permits you to operate a car or motorcycle in India. It is the first proof examined during vehicle documents checking.

Importance of Driving License:

• To confirm training and qualifications to drive.

• To confirm the driver is permitted in the event of an accident.

• To assist in filing car damage insurance claims.

• Because it is required for travel across state borders.

The penalties for driving without a valid license are very high. If you are caught driving an instrument with an expired license, the penalty is the same as if you were driving with no license at all.

Types of Driving Licenses in India:

• LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) - Cars & Jeeps

• MCWG - Motorcycles with gear

• MCWOG - Motorcycles without gear

• Commercial DL (for vehicles under Commercial Vehicle Compliance)

Digital form (DigiLocker or mParivahan) are fully accepted for all thoroughfares.

3. Insurance Certificate

Every vehicle must have at least Third-Party Insurance. This is a mandatory part of the vehicle documents list in India.

Types of Motor Insurance:

Third-Party Insurance

• Covers injury or damage sustained by others.
• Applicable by law.

Comprehensive Insurance

• Covers third-party damage
• Covers damage to your own vehicle
• Covers theft, natural disasters, accidents, fire, and vandalism
• Optional but worth having

What is the Importance of an Insurance Certificate?

• Provides financial protection for accidents.
• Will be required for insurance renewal.
• Must be produced during bug road checks.
• Must be shown during vehicle documents required for traffic police checks
• It will lessen the expense of an unexpected charge.

The insurance can be kept digitally and produced on inspection.

Also Read: What Is An ABC ID Card Provided By The Government of India?

4. Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

A PUC Certificate proves that your vehicle meets authorised emission norms. It is compulsory for Vehicle Emission Compliance.

Main Features of a PUC Certificate:

• It is issued after examining the amount of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon emissions

• The standard validity for a PUC is usually 6 months

• A new car is issued a PUC that is valid for 1 year

• It can be obtained from a petrol station (fuel station), certified/authorised emission centres or an outlet approved by the Regional Transport Office (RTO)

What is the significance of having a PUC certificate?

• It shows that your car is running in accordance with the emissions standards set by the environment.

• Required for Pollution Certificate (PUC) Renewal

• It may be needed for long road travel

• Avoids heavy penalties and legal action

• Assures that your automobile is in good working order and gives fuel-efficient miles

Driving a motor vehicle without a valid PUC certificate can result in heavy fines. In some instances, habitual offenders can have their registration cancelled due to failure to produce a valid PUC certificate.

5. Road Tax Receipt

Every vehicle owner is required to pay the road tax (also referred to as the Motor Vehicle Tax), and the collection of this tax is initiated by the state government. Road tax is paid to the state government and forms a crucial part of RTO Vehicle Compliance.

What is the significance of having a Road Tax receipt?

• It serves as proof that you have paid the obligatory tax
• You will need it to transfer the vehicle to another state
• You will need it when a vehicle is transferred to another person
• It may be needed to renew the registration certificate (RC)
• It will remove any legal issues regarding unpaid tax

The road tax is collected at different time intervals in different states. In some states, the road tax is paid annually, while in others, it is paid as a one-time lifetime tax at the time of the vehicle purchase.

6. Fitness Certificate (For Commercial Vehicles)

A Vehicle Fitness Certificate is required for taxis, buses, goods carriers, and other commercial transport. This is a crucial inclusion in every commercial vehicle's documents list.

Reasons for Having a Fitness Certificate

• Certification that the vehicle is suitable for use
• Certifies that it is meeting both mechanical and emission standards
• Required under Commercial Vehicle Compliance
• Must be renewed annually or biannually, depending on the category of the vehicle.

Private cars typically do not require a fitness certificate until they are 15 years old. After 15 years, periodic fitness tests may be issued.

Also Read: Top Government Schemes For Girl Child In India

7. Permit (For Commercial Vehicles)

Commercial vehicles cannot operate without proper permits. These documents also appear in a Commercial Vehicle documents list PDF.

• National Permit (Interstate goods transport)
• Contract Carriage Permit
• Stage Carriage Permit
• All India Tourist Permit

Permits must be renewed under Vehicle Permit Renewal rules.

8. Vehicle Invoice (Optional but Helpful)

Not necessary, but very helpful for the use of the vehicle in:

• Insurance Claims
• Warranty Disputes
• Resale of the Vehicle
• Approval of Modifications

The invoice supports the original purchase price and specifications.