Why Is Bike Registration Certificate Important?

What is a Registration Certificate (RC)?

Registration Certificate is an important legal document which proves the registration of your vehicle with the Government of India. It is mandatory in order to drive a vehicle on Indian roads, similarly to a drivers’ license. RC is thus an official legal document which states that your vehicle is registered with the Indian government. It comes either in the form of a book or a smart card. As per the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, it is mandatory to carry your RC with you when you are driving, to prove that your vehicle is registered with RTO (Regional Transport Office) government authorities.

Your RC is valid for 15 years from the date of issue. After its expiry, it can be renewed for a period of 5 years. If you are issued a temporary RC, it is for a period of one month and cannot be renewed thereafter.

If your RC is issued in the form of a Smart Card, it would contain the following information on it:

• Engine Number
• Registration Number
• Registration Date
• Chassis Number
• Type of Vehicle
• Colour of Vehicle
• Seating Capacity
• Model Number

Fines and Legal Penalties for Bike Registration Certificate

As mentioned, it is an extremely important document which you must carry with you at all times while driving your bike or two wheeler. The importance of it is doubled when you consider the penalties for failing to have it with you when you are driving on the roads. At least a hard copy or soft copy of the RC is mandatory at all times. If you fail to do so, your vehicle may be seized by the traffic policeman. This in itself is an incredibly grave penalty that you would not want to face. Furthermore, you may also be liable for a fine of Rs. 5,000 /- if it is your first offence. For subsequent offences you would be liable for fines of up to Rs. 10,000 /-. Thus it is important to consider carefully the penalties associated with failing to furnish your RC while driving.

How to get a Bike Registration Certificate Online?

Just like all other activities getting digitized with time, the activity to get the registration of a bike done online is also not left behind. Online registration of bikes is done to make the whole process swift and hassle-free for the bike owners. In order to get the registration certificate online for your bike, you are required to visit Vahan portal(vahan.parivahan.gov.in). Apart from the RC Certificate, you can also get your fitness certificate, RC renewal and can also apply for ownership transfer.

In situations where you may have lost your Registration Certificate, you can go ahead and simply apply for a duplicate Registration Certificate for your bike.

How Can I Get a Duplicate Bike Registration Certificate?

In situations where you may lose your Registration Certificate(RC) anywhere or someone steals it from you, then you are required to apply for a duplicate RC as soon as possible. You can follow the below given steps to get your RC fast:

Step 1: Firstly, you should go to the nearest police station and file for an FIR.

Step 2: You then have to fill and submit Form 26 for a duplicate RC

Step 3: In case, your bike is on loan, then you need to submit a duly signed form by the financier

Step 4: Also, submit the rest of the important documents along with Form 26.

Documents that need to be submitted alongside the duplicate RC includes:

• An FIR copy
• Insurance Certificate
• NOC from bank/financier
• PUC certificate
• Form 26
• Copy of Tax payment (for previous 4 quarters)
• Address Proof
• Identity Proof

Once all the required documents are submitted, then you are required to pay Rs 300. Afterwards, you will get an acknowledgement slip, which would contain the date of when you will receive the hardcopy of duplicate RC at your registered address.

Conclusion

Registration Certificate or RC is an important legal document that not only contains significant information about your vehicle but also is mandatory by law. This is extremely important to consider as the penalties for failure to present your RC are high, and can even result in a seizure of your vehicle. It can be issued to you either in the form of an RC book or a Smart Card.

You May Also Like To Read:

Why Should You Buy A Bike Insurance Policy

Facts About Two-Wheeler Insurance You Should Know

Things To Do If You Have Lost Your Two-wheeler Insurance Documents

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.