8. Always Carry Valid Documents
Driving is a legal responsibility and that means carrying the right documents at all times.
Whether you're on a short trip or a long journey, not having valid papers can lead to fines, vehicle seizure, or worse.
Essential Documents You Must Carry
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Driving License | Proof that you're legally allowed to drive |
| Registration Certificate (RC) | Confirms ownership and registration of the vehicle |
| Insurance Certificate | Covers third-party liability and protects against damages |
| Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate | Confirms your vehicle meets emission standards |
| Vehicle Fitness Certificate (for commercial vehicles) | Ensures roadworthiness of transport vehicles |
| Permit (for transport vehicles) | Legal permission to operate in specific regions |
All documents must be valid, up-to-date, and accessible, either in physical form or digitally via apps like DigiLocker or mParivahan.
Digital Documents Are Accepted
Under Indian law, digital copies stored in government-approved apps are considered valid. You can use:
These apps allow you to store and show documents during traffic checks without needing physical copies.
Modi Govt clarifies no need to produce original car papers to cops. Sufficient if electronic form authenticated by mparivahan or digilocker produced. #EaseOfLiving Huge blow to corruption
Legal Penalties for Missing Documents
- Driving without a license: ₹5,000 fine
- No insurance: ₹2,000 fine (first offense), ₹4,000 (repeat)
- No RC or expired PUC: ₹1,000–₹10,000 depending on the violation
- Commercial vehicles without permits or fitness certificates may be impounded
Source: Traffic Rules and Traffic Violation Fines in India
Traffic police have the authority to issue challans or seize vehicles for missing or invalid documents.
Common Misconceptions
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| "I only need my license." | You need multiple documents, not just one. |
| "Digital copies aren’t accepted." | DigiLocker and mParivahan are legally valid. |
| "I’ll show them later if asked." | You must present documents immediately when asked by an officer. |
What You Should Do
- Keep all documents updated and renewed before expiry
- Store digital copies in approved apps
- Carry physical copies when traveling long distances or through rural areas
- Ensure your insurance and PUC are renewed on time
Key Takeaways
- Carrying valid documents is a legal requirement, NOT a suggestion
- Digital copies are acceptable, but must be accessible instantly
- Missing documents can lead to fines, delays, or vehicle seizure
Real life examples
Use mParivahan app
वाहन के सभी दस्तावेज जैसे ड्राइविंग लाइसेंस, आरसी, प्रदूषण नियंत्रण प्रमाणपत्र और बीमा की स्कैन्ड कॉपी mParivahan app पर अपलोड करें और मांगे जाने पर दिखाएं।
Now you can show your Driving license, Vehicle registration certificate and other related documents through Digilocker or mPrivahan. No need to carry them physically with you all the time. #DigitalIndia
Is it possible this car can get a PUC certificate? How is this allowed to ply on road? At Talegaon @PCcityPolice @DGPMaharashtra @PuneCityTraffic @ThaneCityPolice @CPCB_OFFICIAL @pcmcindiagovin @RoadsOfMumbai @mumbaimatterz @TataMotors
Hefty fines if no PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate
🚨 An automatic Rs 10,000 challan is to be introduced at petrol pumps in Pune for vehicles that do not have a valid PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate.
If violated, Police have to issue challan for themselves too
One of the incidents to save their a$$es. If you audit police vehicles and their officers’ personal vehicles, they will not have valid insurance, no PUC, and police boards on the dashboard even though it is banned by the HC.
Kolkata Police hunts people for small mistakes! But their own rides a bike WB26AN0950 with PUC and insurance expired since 2015 No action….no penalty! If it was our bike….they’d have ripped us apart by now! @KolkataPolice ???
There is an INR 10000 penalty for driving a vehicle without a Pollution Check (PUC). However, no penalty for goverment for flouting rules.
Pollution Control Measures? One learning from the other.
Before you start your vehicle, ask yourself:
Do I have everything I need to drive legally?
Stay prepared. Stay protected. Drive responsibly.
7. Use Indicators for Turns and Lane Changes
Learn why using indicators is essential for safe and predictable driving — on highways, city roads, and even in parking areas.
9. Don’t Hang Out of the Sunroof
Standing or leaning out of a sunroof may look fun — but it’s extremely dangerous and illegal in India.