Government extends validity of vehicle and driving documents amid COVID-19 pandemic

In an advisory to all states and union territories on March 30, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has extended the validity of documents related to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 till June 30, 2020. These documents include driving licenses, vehicle registrations, permits and vehicle fitness certificates that are expiring between February 1 and June 30.

Furthermore, the Ministry announced that the ‘non-use clause facility’, provided by the VAHAN online platform, can now be accessed for the suspension of tax liability in order to give relief to the commercial vehicles like taxis, buses and more which are non-operational due to the lockdown.

The Ministry has urged all states and union territories to implement this advisory to ensure hassle-free transport of essential services and cargo during this difficult time, amidst the 21-day nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.