The union ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) has extended the validity of vehicular documents like DLs, RCs, Permits etc till 31 March 2021 as part of the government’s efforts to minimise travel and physical contacts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. The ministry has issued directives to the states and union territory administrations in this regard.
The ministry had thrice issued advisories earlier this year - on 30 March 2020, 9 June 2020 and 24 August 2020 - regarding extension of validity of documents related to Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.
The ministry also stated that the validity of Fitness, Permit (all types), Licence, Registration or any other concerned document(s) may be treated to be valid till 31 December 2020.
“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 31 March 2021. This covers all documents whose validity has expired since 1 February 2020 or would expire by 31 March 2021,” says the advisory.
“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,” it adds.
This has been done to avoid difficulties or harassments that common people, transporters and various other organisations, which are operating under this difficult time during Covid Pandemic, may face, the ministry added.