The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has extended the validity of vehicular documents like driving license, registration certificate, permits etc till March 31, 2021, in the light of the need to prevent the spread of Covid -19. The ministry on Sunday issued a directory to the States and Union Territory administrations in the regard.
MoRTH had earlier issued advisories dated March 30, 2020, June 9, 2020, and August 24, 2020, regarding the extension of validity of documents related to Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. It was advised that the validity of fitness, permit (all types), license, registration or any other vehicular documents may be treated to be valid till December 31, 2020.
The advisory says, “Taking into consideration the need to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is further advised that the validity of all of the above-referred documents may be treated to be valid till 31st March 2021. This covers all documents whose validity has expired since 1st Feb 2020 or would expire by 31st March 2021.”
It adds, “Enforcement authorities are advised to treat such documents valid till 31st of March 2021. This will help out citizens in availing transport-related services while maintaining social distancing.”