Centre extends validity of driving licence, RC, permits till March 31

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on Sunday (December 27) extended the validity of motor vehicle documents like driving licence (DL), registration certificate (RC), permits till March 31, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ministry said it has issued an advisory to all states and Union Territory administrations in this regard. The extension applies to all documents which have expired since February 1, 2020 or would expire by March 31, 2021.

An advisory from MoRTH said, “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.”

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It added, “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.”

All the states and Union Territories are requested to implement this advisory in letter and spirit so that the citizens, the transporters and various other organisations which are operating under this difficult time during COVID pandemic may not get harassed or face difficulties, the ministry said.

This is the fourth extension from the transport ministry. MoRTH had earlier this year issued advisories dated March 30, June 9, and August 24 regarding 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), licence, registration or any other documents may be treated to be valid till December 31, 2020.