In a recent move, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued an order that could potentially save individuals from traffic challans if their learner’s or driving licences expired during a specific period. The order addresses the technical glitches that occurred on the Parivahan and Sarathi portals, impacting online licence renewals.
Details of the Ministry’s Order:
From January 31 to February 12, technical issues rendered the Parivahan and Sarathi portals non-functional. As a result, individuals faced challenges in renewing their learner’s, driver’s, and conductor’s licences within the stipulated timeframe. To address this, the ministry has extended relief to those whose licences expired between January 31 and February 15, with an extended deadline to February 29.
Implications of the Order:
According to the ministry’s order, licences falling within this timeframe will be considered valid until February 29. Consequently, traffic police and Regional Transport Office (RTO) personnel are barred from issuing challans to individuals possessing licences that expired during this period.
Operational Considerations:
Rahul Srivastava, the RTO administrator in Ghaziabad, has confirmed the receipt of the ministry’s order. Individuals whose licences can be renewed offline by February 29 can visit the office for renewal, and these renewed licences will be considered valid.
Industry Response:
Gurmeet Singh Taneja, the head of the Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India, has lauded the ministry’s decision, noting that it will benefit numerous individuals. Drivers falling within the specified timeframe can now avoid challans and renew their licences without penalties.
Licence Renewal Deadline:
The standard renewal deadlines for licences include converting a learning licence to permanent within 30 days to six months. Similarly, permanent driving licences can be renewed 30 days before or within 30 days from the expiration date. Failure to renew within this deadline typically incurs challans.
