What is the authoritative answer on what documents are needed if your vehicle is stopped for checking? An RTI application was filed with Bangalore's police department to find this out.

You might say why need RTI application for this. We all produce our driving licence and vehicle papers if a traffic constable stops us. Many of us 'negotiate' the fine amount and pay, or we show our papers and move on.

But do we know if the constable is even asking for correct documents or, more importantly, if he is entitled to check the vehicles and collect a fine? More than two years back, M V K Anil Kumar, an RTI activist and convener of the Bangalore RTI user group Kria Katte, had filed an application to see the rules. The response is informative.

The rules say that you should have a copy of the driving licence, copy of registration certificate, fitness certificate, insurance certificate, tax card and emmission test certificate.

The reply to the application also mentions that vehicle inspections are conducted by Motor Vehicle Department and police officers are empowered to book cases. It also mentions that the police constables or head constables can stop and check the vehicles only in the presence of an officer. ⊕