We’ve listed a few key pieces of paperwork you should always have within reach when you’re driving
Traffic rules in the country have been a recurrent topic, either because people do not follow traffic rules and regulations or our traffic police is sometimes found bending them according to how much you pay them. Cases of bribery are rampant in the country, as periodically posted in Halaat Updates.
But one thing many citizens are still unaware of is what documents to carry when driving in Pakistan, apart from just the driving license, of course. It’s a different case that some do not even do that!
In a recent Question Updates post, a member asked if carrying car insurance documents when driving in Karachi is a traffic rule, because in the absence of it he was charged a fine by the traffic police.
The answer to this question is that according to the written set of rules in the county it is not important to carry car insurance papers. The absence of it does not make one eligible for a fine.
To avoid being preyed on by city traffic cops go through this list of driving documents you should be legally carrying:
Driving License
As mentioned above, as is the rule of thumb in every country, you should carry your driver’s license at all times when driving. In the absence of it, a traffic police officer (dressed in a white uniform) can impose a fine.
Car Registration
According to the traffic rules and regulations, a driver should carry the original registration papers of the vehicle they are driving. Not doing so can also lead to a fine.
Commercial Permit
If the car you are driving is used for commercial purposes then you are liable to carry a commercial permit at all times as well.
National Identity Card
The National Identity Card (NIC) is proof of you being a citizen of the country. It is thus important to carry it at all times, not just when driving.
Having said this, it is important to remember that not carrying your original NIC or even a copy of it does not make you eligible for a fine by the traffic police. It can though put you behind bars if questioned by a provincial police officer.
Who can impose a fine on you?
Only a traffic police officer can impose a fine for breaking traffic laws, whether it is the absence of documents or speeding.
The provincial police are not authorized by the constitution to charge you a challan in the absence of a driving license or other above-mentioned documents. What they can do however is snap check a vehicle when needed, which is checking your vehicle for any unauthorized items like weapons.
As a result, by law you are obliged to stop when signaled by a provincial police officer. They can ask for your NIC and/or driving license and in the absence of either can put you behind bars.
