Validity Of Various Motor Vehicle Related Documents Extended Till July 31 By Govt; No Late Fees For Delays

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) has issued a fresh notification, extending the validity of various motor vehicles related documents till 31^st July which was earlier not possible due to novel corona virus COVID-19 and consequent Nationwide Lockdown. There shall be no late fees or charges for delays in validation of documents pending from February 1^st, 2020, it said.

It declared relaxation of fees for the activity listed under rule 32 and rule 81 (all items of table except serial number 4 for issue of registration and assignment of new registration mark) of Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

It was mentioned in the notification that in case due to conditions for prevention of COVID-19 pandemic, if there is delay in paying the fees from 1^st February, 2020 till the period of lockdown as under the order of the Ministry of Home Affairs for the activity listed under rule 32 (all items of table) and rule 81 (all items of table except serial number 4 for issue of registration) of Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 as well as completing these activity, such activity shall be completed by 31^st July, 2020.

Also, the late fees or additional fees, for such delays, will not be levied.

The Notification begins with: –

“Whereas, the Central Government is of the opinion that persons are facing difficulties in respect of various fees or late fees as mandated under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 due to lockdown in the country;

Now, therefore, in exercise of the power conferred by section 211 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (59 of 1988) and it is considered necessary so to do, in the public interest in view of prevailing Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic situation, the Central Government hereby issues the following Order, namely :-

1. Short title and commencement. –
2. These rules may be called as the Central Motor Vehicles (Relaxation of Fees) Order, 2020.
3. It shall come into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
4. The fees paid, on or after 1st February, 2020 for the activity listed under rule 32 (all items of table) and rule 81(all items of table except serial number 4 for issue of registration and assignment of new registration mark) of Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 and in case such activity could not be completed due to conditions for prevention of COVID-19 pandemic, shall continue to remain valid.”

Read the notification here;

-India Legal Bureau