New Delhi: In a move offering relief to the motorists in the country, the Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways on Thursday extended the validity of the documents related to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, till September 30, media reported.
The extension only applies for those documents that expired after February 2020 and couldn't be renewed due to Covid-19 restrictions, the government also said.
According to the ministry, the move will help out citizens in availing of transport-related services while maintaining social distancing.
"Taking into consideration the need to prevent the spread of COVID-19, MoRT&H has advised the Enforcement Authorities that the validity of Fitness, Permit (all types), License, Registration or any other concerned document(s) may be treated to be valid till 30th Sept 2021," the Union road transport ministry tweeted earlier on June 17.
Earlier, the ministry had issued five advisories between March 2020 and March 2021 regarding the same. It was advised that the validity of fitness certificate, permit (all types), licence, registration or any other concerned document(s) might be treated to be valid till June 30, 2021. This has now been extended up to September 30.
The ministry also added that all the states and union territories must implement this advisory in letter and spirit so that citizens, transporters and various other organisation, which are operating under this difficult time, may not get harassed and face difficulties.
Similar relaxations regarding the validity of documents were given by the government in March, June, August and December last year.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has made some changes to the rules concerning Driver Training Centers and the issuance of driving licence. Earlier, candidates had to undergo a driving test at RTOs before being awarded a licence.
According to a recent release by MoRTH, the candidates, who successfully pass the test at these eligible centres, will be exempted from the driving test requirement at the time of applying for a driving licence, which is currently being taken at the Regional Transport Office (RTO).