List of Mandatory Documents to Keep in Your Car

Whether you’re driving within the city or heading for a road trip, keeping certain mandatory documents in your car is not just good practice—it’s a legal requirement under the Motor Vehicles Act of India.

Failure to produce these documents when asked by traffic authorities can lead to hefty fines or even vehicle seizure. Here’s a handy guide so you’re always road-ready!

✅ 1. Driving License (DL)

  • Must be a valid and original copy (physical or digital).

  • Should match the vehicle class you’re driving (e.g., LMV, MCWG).

  • Can be shown digitally via the DigiLocker or mParivahan app (officially accepted by RTO).

🔍 Penalty for driving without DL: ₹5,000 (under MV Act, 2025)

✅ 2. Registration Certificate (RC)

  • The RC proves your ownership of the vehicle.

  • Keep the original smart card or a valid digital copy.

  • Make sure it’s up to date with owner details, fuel type, and insurance info.

🔍 Driving without RC: ₹5,000 fine (first offence)

✅ 3. Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

  • Mandatory for all vehicles, including BS6-compliant ones.

  • Valid for 6 months to 1 year (depending on vehicle age).

  • You can show a digital PUC from apps or carry a physical copy.

🔍 Missing PUC: ₹10,000 fine or license suspension possible

✅ 4. Valid Insurance Certificate

  • Must have at least third-party insurance (mandatory by law).

  • Preferred: Comprehensive insurance for own damage + third-party cover.

  • Carry a soft or hard copy with policy number and validity clearly visible.

🔍 No insurance = ₹2,000 fine (first time), ₹4,000 (repeat offence)

.

✅ 5. Fitness Certificate (For Commercial Vehicles)

  • For taxis, buses, trucks, and other commercial vehicles.

  • Must be renewed annually.

  • Private vehicles older than 15 years may also require a fitness certificate under scrappage policy.

✅ 6. Permit Papers (For Transport/Commercial Vehicles)

  • Inter-state or city-specific permits depending on use.

  • Must be kept updated and shown upon request by transport officials.

✅ 7. Road Tax Receipt (Optional but Useful)

  • Proof of lifetime road tax payment while registering your vehicle.

  • Especially helpful if you move states or apply for NOC/transfer.

✅ 8. Emergency Contact & Vehicle Manual (Optional but Smart)

  • A card with emergency contact numbers, insurance hotline, and mechanic details.

  • Vehicle owner’s manual can help during breakdowns or dashboard alerts.

🧾 Bonus: Digital is Legal – But Be Smart!

Since 2018, the Government of India has allowed use of DigiLocker and mParivahan apps to store and show DL, RC, Insurance & PUC.

✅ Legally accepted by all traffic authorities and RTOs across India.

But it’s always smart to carry a physical backup, especially while traveling to remote areas with poor internet connectivity.

⚠️ Penalties for Missing Documents (As per MV Act – 2025)

🛠 Pro Tip from Carnama

Keep laminated copies of your important car documents in the glove box and upload digital versions to DigiLocker or mParivahan.
This simple habit can save you thousands in fines and ensure zero hassle during traffic checks — drive smart, drive legal!