Automobile Association fights to have grace period for validity of licences extended to January 2021

Motorists concerned about their licences expiring can rest easy following an extension of the grace period to November 30.

In early June, Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said all learner’s licences, driver’s licences, motor vehicle licence discs, temporary permits, roadworthy certificates and professional driving permits which expired during the period which started from March 26 to May 31 were deemed valid, with their validity period being extended with 90 days from June 1 to August 31.

Noting this announcement, the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) launched a petition for the validity period to be extended to end of January 2021, however the organisation have welcomed the reprieve, calling it a partial victory.

“The extension to the end of November is a great start, and we certainly welcome this move by the Transport Department.

It is the correct decision, and indicates that the department is aware of the problems motorists are facing.

However, we still believe this does not provide enough time to deal with the backlogs” said CEO of the AA, Willem Groenewald.

Groenewald said their proposed extension date also made provision for the closure of Driving Licence Testing Centres over the festive period, and for further potential closures as a result of Covid-19.

KwaDukuza municipal spokesperson, Sipho Mkhize also confirmed that local licence centres would be increasing their operating hours.

“Both the KwaDukuza and Salt Rock offices will now be open every Saturday from 7.30am to 1pm until August 29.

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