The Road Transport Ministry has announced an extension on the validity of all vehicle related documents from March 31 to June 30. This move comes after implementation of a nationwide lockdown, resulting in restricted movement of private and commercial vehicles, with only essential goods carrying vehicles being allowed to ply on the roads.
As per a circular issued by the Ministry, all documents that are related to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 (driving license, vehicle fitness certificates, state/national permits, etc.), will be eligible for an extension on their validity to June 30.
The Ministry has further clarified in the notice that “enforcement authorities are advised to treat documents that have expired as of Feb 1, 2020 valid till June 30, 2020.”
The notice also calls for relief to be provided to commercial vehicles that are at a standstill with no utility, owing to the lockdown, in the form of a non-use clause facility for suspension of tax liability. This feature is being provided by the NIC on the Vahan platform online.
The move has been declared keeping in mind that all transportation companies and other organisations that are providing essential services and transport can carry out their duties seamlessly without any hindrance. The circular urges all states and Union territories to implement this advisory immediately.