Taxis are one of the most common and convenient means of public transport in India. Unlike crowded buses or metros, they offer passengers a comfortable journey at a reasonable price.
However, taxi owners or drivers must abide by some rules and regulations while driving on the roads to avoid legal hazards and penalties. This helps them comply with the law and offer seamless transportation.
Keep reading to check out the documents one must carry while driving a taxi in India!
Essential Documents for Driving a Taxi in India
While driving a vehicle, every driver needs to carry some essential documents to abide by legal requirements. Below are the documents you need to carry while driving a taxi in India:
1. Driving License of the Driver
Every taxi driver in India must carry their driving license while on the road. Drivers may need to pay a hefty penalty or face insurance claim rejections if found driving without a valid license. After validating their qualifications, the RTO or Regional Transport Office issues this essential document to the drivers.
2. RC (Registration Certificate) of the Vehicle
The taxi registration certificate is one of the most crucial documents a driver must carry. This document includes the vehicle owner’s name and address as well as the vehicle’s technical details, chassis number, registration number, etc. It proves that the vehicle is authorised and registered legally.
3. Commercial Vehicle Insurance
Taxi drivers must carry commercial vehicle insurance while driving because it is a legal requirement mandated by the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988. This taxi insurance covers third-party liabilities and damage to the vehicle, protecting against accidents, natural calamities, and collisions. Moreover, taxi owners can enhance their coverage and benefits by purchasing add-ons to their commercial vehicle insurance policy.
4. Fitness Certificate
As the name suggests, a fitness certificate indicates whether your vehicle is fit to ply the roads. You need to renew the fitness certificate annually to avoid legal penalties. In most cases, commercial vehicles are permitted to drive on the roads for a maximum of 15 years. However, if you are driving a taxi over 15 years old, ensure you have a valid FC for that.
5. Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC)
In India, taxi drivers must carry a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. Without it, driving can result in significant penalties. The PUC certifies that your vehicle meets the emission standards set by authorised emission testing centres. The PUC certificate, obtainable from authorised centers or petrol pumps, requires quarterly or half-year renewal.
6. ID Proofs
Though not mandatory, a driver must carry his/her ID proofs, such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport, while driving a taxi. In case of accidents or during curfews, police officers may ask for the taxi driver’s identity proof for validation.
7. Taxation Certificate
A taxation certificate consists of the road tax details a taxi owner pays. It includes the tax rate, the period for which you paid the road tax, and other information. Depending on the renewal of your driving license, you can pay the road tax annually, quarterly, or half-yearly.
8. Motor Vehicle Permit
According to the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, every commercial vehicle must acquire a legal permit to ply on the roads legally. Thus, while driving a taxi, you must carry a valid local permit as per the regulations of the state where you belong.
Now that you know the mandatory requirements for driving a taxi in India, ensure you carry the above documents while driving. You must also renew your license and permits from time to time. So, make sure you are driving with valid documents and certificates.
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