Ministry of Road Transport & Highways extends validity of vehicular documents till March 31

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has extended the validity of vehicular documents like DLs, RCs, Permits, etc. till March 31, 2021 in the light of the need to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The Ministry has issued a directory to the States and Union Territory administrations in this regard.

MoRTH had earlier issued advisories in March, June and August 2020 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), License, Registration or any other concerned document(s) 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.”

All the States and Union Territories, the Ministry said, have been requested to implement this advisory in letter and spirit so that the citizens, transporters and various other organisations operating under this difficult time of the pandemic may not be harassed or face difficulties, said a release.