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The driver of a motor vehicle also needs to carry are the certificate of registration (RC), The certificate of insurance, driving license and certificate for pollution under check (PUC Certificate).

Driving a vehicle without a registration

Last updated on Apr 8, 2022

It is mandatory to register motor vehicles before driving them1, and after getting your vehicle registered, you will receive a Registration Certificate (RC) (( Section 41, The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.)). It is mandatory to carry the original copy or electronic copy of the RC and to display a registration mark on your vehicle2. 

If you drive or allow a motor vehicle to be driven without registration, you can be punished with a fine between Rs. 2,000 to 5,000 for the first offence, and with jail time of up to 1 year, or a fine between Rs. 5,000 and 10,000, or both, for any subsequent offence3. The applicable fine amount might vary across states. 

You cannot be fined for not having the Registration Certificate only for the following reasons4:

  • Conveyance of persons suffering from sickness or injuries
  • Transport of food or materials to relieve distress or of medical supplies 

However, you must inform the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state within 7 days that you are using a motor vehicle for the two reasons given above, otherwise you can be fined. 

Given below are the fine amounts for two states:

State Frequency of Offence Fine Amount (In INR)
Delhi First offence 2,000 – 5,000
Any subsequent offence 5,000 – 10,000
Karnataka Two/Three-Wheeler 2,000
Light Motor Vehicle

 

 3,000
Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Others 5,000
  1. Section 39, The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. [↩]
  2. Section 139, The Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. [↩]
  3. Section 192(1), The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. [↩]
  4. Section 192, The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. [↩]

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