Essential Documents and Paperwork Every Rider in Bangladesh Should Keep Updated
Under Bangladesh law, failing to keep legal documents for a motor vehicle is a punishable offence. If you do not have the necessary documents, you risk fines and license suspension. If you do not have documents for your vehicle, such as a driving license, smart card, tax token, or registration certificate, you will face fines or legal complications. A rider must keep these required documents up to date. Otherwise, you will be a victim of unexpected situations and harassment while travelling. Moreover, if a serious issue arises, the traffic police can impound your vehicle.
This blog has discussed in detail which essential documents and paperwork every rider in Bangladesh should keep up to date. Here you will find information on which documents must be updated, which can be kept as photocopies or originals, and how to renew them.
Documents that are important for riders in Bangladesh should always be kept updated
The rider must have a driving license or a smart card. In addition, the motor vehicle's registration certificate and the updated tax token must be carried. Keep photocopies of all documents safe. Save the document images to Google Drive.
1. A rider's driving license is mandatory
The driver of the motor vehicle must carry his/her driving license. You can apply for or renew a new driving license online from the BRTA website or in person from the circle office in your area. Now, smart card licenses are being issued to motorcycle riders. If you do not have a driving license, you may be fined a significant amount.
2. The blue book or registration certificate of the motor vehicle must be carried
The original blue book or registration certificate of the car or bike must be carried. Photocopies are not acceptable. This certificate is the primary document for the ownership and validity of your motor vehicle. If the ownership of a motor vehicle changes, the registration certificate must be transferred immediately. Driving a motor vehicle without a blue book or registration certificate is a punishable offence. You may face unpleasant situations, such as your vehicle being impounded or legal action being taken against you.
3. Must have an updated tax token
The tax token has to be renewed after a specific period. It is a document that authorises the payment of the government-prescribed road tax. You can now make tax payments online from the BRTA website and get a token copy. If you do not have an updated tax token, you will face a hefty fine. You must keep the original tax token with you.
4. A fitness certificate is mandatory
It is mandatory to keep a fitness certificate with the registered motor vehicle. Fitness certificates are issued for different periods. Generally, fitness certificates are issued at the time of registering new motor vehicles. Later, at the end of the period, it has to be renewed by taking a fitness test. You have to take a fitness test and obtain a fitness certificate from the BRTA circle, paying the prescribed fee. The fitness certificate for commercial motor vehicles must be updated regularly.
5. Must have an updated insurance certificate
The motor vehicle must have an updated insurance certificate; otherwise, a hefty fine will be imposed. After the insurance period expires, it must be renewed. Keep the insurance certificate/policy copy with you (printed), and store a digital backup.
In addition, route permit documents must be kept with the motor vehicle used for commercial purposes. And for security, a copy of the national identity card should be kept with it.
Final Thought
As a conscious rider, you must carry updated legal documents. These documents will not only protect you from fines but also from any legal complications. It is also your responsibility to wear a helmet and follow traffic laws. Keep all documents in a waterproof file. If you lose a document, quickly file a general diary at the nearest police station and apply for a new copy with a photocopy to BRTA. Now you can check the validity of all your documents on the BRTA website. Ride safely, be responsible, and make others aware.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What documents must a rider have to drive a motor vehicle in Bangladesh?
The rider will have a driving license, a vehicle registration certificate, a tax token, a fitness certificate, and an insurance policy.
2. What to do if documents are lost?
If you lose a document, you must file a general diary at the nearest police station and apply for a new copy with a photocopy to BRTA.
3. When are route permit documents required?
Route permit documents must be kept with motor vehicles used for commercial purposes.
4. Is it okay to keep photocopies or pictures of the documents?
No, you must keep hard copies of legal documents. Save the document images to Google Drive.
5. How to renew a driving license?
You can apply for or renew a new driving license online from the BRTA website or in person from your local circle office. In this case, you will need to attach a copy of your NID and a receipt for the fee payment.
