When buying a bike, many people might wonder whether they can register it later if purchased without completing the Regional Transport Office (RTO) registration and insurance process. Although it is technically possible to register a bike later, the procedure is complex and involves additional legal and financial risks.
Let’s understand the implications of buying a bike without RTO registration and insurance, the steps involved in the registration process, and why it is crucial to obtain bike insurance.
Understanding the Importance of RTO Registration and Insurance
The Motor Vehicles Act mandates that every vehicle, including bikes, must be registered with the respective RTO before it can legally be driven on the road. Registration provides a unique identity to the vehicle, linking it to its owner and ensuring compliance with safety and emission standards. Moreover, insurance, particularly comprehensive bike insurance, is also compulsory to cover third-party liabilities and damages to your own vehicle.
If you purchase a bike without completing these formalities, it is considered illegal to use it on public roads. In such cases, you might face severe penalties, confiscation of the bike, or even legal action. Therefore, it is advisable to register and insure your bike at the time of purchase to avoid complications.
What Happens if a Bike is Bought Without RTO Registration?
Buying a bike without RTO registration means you are buying a vehicle that the government does not legally recognise. This could occur in several scenarios, such as buying from an unauthorised dealer, purchasing a second-hand bike, or acquiring a bike directly from another individual without transferring the ownership.
In any of these cases, if the bike is not registered, it cannot be used legally on the roads. Moreover, without registration, you cannot obtain a number plate, which is a crucial identifier for any vehicle. Failing to register the bike will also make it impossible to get insurance coverage, leaving you vulnerable to financial loss in case of accidents or theft.
Steps to Register a Bike After Purchase
If you have already purchased a bike without RTO registration, you must follow specific steps to register it legally. Here is a detailed guide on how to register your bike after purchase:
- Visit the RTO Office
You must visit the nearest RTO office with the bike. Ensure you have all the necessary documents, including the bike's sale certificate, a valid identity proof, address proof, and a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.
- Submit the Required Forms and Documents
At the RTO, you will need to fill out various forms, such as:
- Form 20: Application for the registration of a motor vehicle.
- Form 21: The sale certificate provided by the bike dealer.
- Form 22: A roadworthiness certificate indicating that the vehicle meets all safety and pollution norms.
- Form 60: If you do not have a PAN card.
Other documents include proof of age, identity, address, PAN card, vehicle purchase invoice, chassis and engine number print, and passport-size photographs.
- Pay the Registration Fees and Taxes
You will need to pay the applicable registration fees and road taxes at the fee collection counter. The fees may vary depending on the type of bike and its intended use (personal or commercial). After payment, you will receive an acknowledgment receipt.
- Get the Vehicle Inspected
The RTO inspector will conduct a thorough inspection of your bike to ensure it meets all the legal and safety requirements. The inspector will check the bike's make, model, fuel type, emission standard, seating capacity, and engine capacity.
- Data Entry and Verification
Once the inspection is complete, the bike’s data will be entered into the central database by the RTO officials. The Superintendent of the RTO will then verify this data to ensure everything is in order.
- Approval and Issuance of Registration Certificate
The Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) will approve the vehicle registration once all the data has been verified. After approval, the RTO will generate a Registration Certificate (RC), which serves as proof of registration.
- Receive the RC
It usually takes a few days to weeks to receive the RC, depending on the RTO's processing time.
Can You Register a Bike Online?
Currently, there is no provision for the complete online registration of a new bike. The Parivahanportal only allows for the renewal of vehicle registration online, not for new registrations. Since the new vehicle registration process involves a mandatory physical inspection, it cannot be completed online. However, you can check the status of your registration application online through the Parivahan portal.
Consequences of Not Registering a Bike
Failing to register a bike not only makes its use illegal but also has several other repercussions, like:
- Legal Penalties: You may be fined heavily if caught riding an unregistered vehicle.
- Seizure of the Vehicle: Law enforcement authorities have the right to confiscate an unregistered bike.
- Lack of Insurance: Without registration, it is impossible to get two-wheeler insurance. This leaves you exposed to significant financial risks if an accident occurs.
- Reduced Resale Value: An unregistered bike will have a much lower resale value and may be challenging to sell legally.
- No Road Tax Compliance: The bike will not be compliant with road tax rules, leading to additional fines.
Why You Should Get Two-Wheeler Insurance Immediately?
Insurance is a crucial aspect of vehicle ownership in India. There are primarily two types of two-wheeler insurance: Third-party liability insurance and comprehensive bike insurance. Third-party insurance covers damages caused to another person or property, whereas comprehensive insurance covers both third-party liabilities and damages to your own bike.
Importance of Comprehensive Two-Wheeler Insurance
- Financial Security: Comprehensive insurance provides complete coverage for damages due to accidents, natural disasters, theft, or vandalism.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you are covered against most risks can give you peace of mind.
- Legal Compliance: Having valid insurance is mandatory by law, and non-compliance can lead to hefty fines or legal action.
Challenges of Registering a Bike Without Insurance
Registering a bike without insurance is almost impossible, as one of the mandatory documents required for registration is the bike insurance certificate. Hence, if you attempt to register a bike without insurance, your application will likely be rejected. Therefore, it is essential to purchase at least third-party insurance, which is the minimum requirement under Indian law, before proceeding with the registration.
Registering a Second-Hand Bike Without RTO Registration and Insurance
If you have purchased a second-hand bike without RTO transfer or insurance, you must follow these steps:
- Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC): The seller should provide an NOC from the original RTO where the bike was registered.
- Transfer of Ownership: Submit Form 29 (Notice of Transfer of Ownership) and Form 30 (Report of Transfer of Ownership of a Motor Vehicle) to the RTO.
- Get Insurance: Obtain insurance to cover third-party liabilities and any damage to your bike.
- Re-register the Bike: Visit the RTO to complete the transfer of ownership and get a new Registration Certificate.
Conclusion
While it is technically possible to register a bike later if bought without RTO and insurance, the process is complicated and fraught with risks. The key is to ensure that all legal and regulatory formalities, including RTO registration and comprehensive insurance, are completed at the time of purchase. This will not only help avoid legal complications but also provide peace of mind and financial security.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
