The validity of expired driving licenses and vehicle registration has been extended until June 30 in the wake of the countrywide lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has extended the validity of documents like driving licenses, permits and registration that expired since February 1. In an advisory to all states and Union Territories, the Ministry has asked them to treat such documents as valid until June 30.

The decision was taken to facilitate people facing difficulties in renewing the validity of various motor vehicle documents due to nationwide lockdown in the country and closure of government transport offices.

The documents include fitness, permits (all types), driving licence, registration or any other concerned document under the Motor Vehicle Rules.

The ministry has requested all states to implement the advisory in "letter and spirit" so that the people and transporters and organisations rendering essential services do not get harassed and face difficulties.

India was put under a near-complete lockdown on March 25 and the measures will remain in force until April 14. All services deemed non-essential have been prohibited for the duration of the lockdown.

More than 1,250 people have tested positive for coronavirus with 32 of them succumbing to COVID-19.

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First Published:Mar 31, 2020 11:08 AM IST