If you want to an answer to the question What Is Section 130/177 MV Act? Producing Documents on Demand
Under the Motor Vehicles Act, every driver in India is legally bound to produce certain documents when asked by an authorised officer. Sections 130 and 177 of the MV Act define the rules, requirements, and penalties for non-compliance. This guide explains these provisions in detail, including your rights and obligations as a vehicle owner or driver.
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Section 130 – Producing Documents on Demand
Section 130 of the Motor Vehicles Act clearly states that every driver must be able to produce certain essential documents when requested by a police officer in uniform or any other authorised official. These documents typically include:
- Valid Driving Licence
- Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle
- Insurance Certificate showing valid motor insurance
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate
While earlier, these documents had to be produced in physical form, the amended rules now allow digital versions stored in DigiLocker or the mParivahan app to be accepted as legally valid.
The law permits the officer to give a reasonable time for the driver to produce the documents at a police station or other specified place if they are not immediately available. However, failing to comply within the stipulated time may invite penalties under Section 177.
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Section 177 – General Penalties
Section 177 of the MV Act serves as a “catch-all” penalty clause. It applies to offences for which no specific punishment is provided elsewhere in the Act. One common example is failure to produce documents under Section 130.
Under Section 177:
- First offence – fine of up to ₹500
- Subsequent offence – fine of up to ₹1,000
Importantly, the penalty amount may vary if the offence is combined with other violations. This section gives enforcement authorities flexibility to address miscellaneous breaches of the law.
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Penalties for Non-Compliance
If you fail to produce the required documents, you may be issued a challan under Section 177. This can be paid online via state transport portals or at designated traffic police counters. Persistent non-compliance can lead to additional consequences, such as suspension of your driving licence.
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Practical Tips for Motorists
- Keep both physical and digital copies of your vehicle documents
- Update your insurance and PUC certificate before expiry
- Use government apps like DigiLocker and mParivahan for safe storage
- Cooperate respectfully with officers to avoid unnecessary escalation
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