Coronavirus Lockdown: Validity of expired driving licenses extended till June 30, 2020

In order to ensure smooth plying of vehicles carrying essential commodities during the ongoing lockdown period, the Transport Ministry has extended the validity of documents such as driving license, vehicle fitness permits (all types), registration or any other concerned documents, state/national permits to June 30, 2020 under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.

Amidst reports that police were stopping trucks on the road for lack of proper documentation, the Transport Ministry has said that the enforcement authorities have been advised to treat documents that have expired on or after February 1, 2020 to be valid till June 30, 2020.

Accordingly, all the states and Union territories have been requested to implement this advisory so that people, transporters and various organisations, which are rendering essential services are not harassed amidst a nationwide lockdown.

The move comes as a relief for individuals facing difficulties to renew their documents due to the closure of government offices.

The Transport Ministry Press Release states, “The Ministry has requested all states to implement the advisory in "letter and spirit" so that the people and transporters and organisations rendering essential services do not get harassed and face difficulties.”