MOTORING NEWS - The directive by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) last week to extend the validity period of licences that expired between 26 March and 31 August to the end of January 2021 is a major victory for motorists in South Africa, says the Automobile Association (AA).

The AA launched a petition, #ExtendtheLicence, three weeks ago, urging the government to extend the validity period of licences given the problems with renewals at driving licence testing centres (RTMCs). Tens of thousands of South Africans signed the online petition. 

"As the champion of South African motorists we are elated at this move," says Willem Groenewald, CEO of the AA. "It's great news for motorists who have been worried about being legal on the road in the face of mounting backlogs with renewals. 

"We applaud the government and the RTMC for making this decision which, ultimately, is the right way forward. We also want to thank the minister for being responsive to motorists' needs during this difficult time and for taking this pragmatic step." 

The official @RTMC handle has tweeted the directives, which state: "All learner's licences, driving licence cards, temporary driving licences and professional driving permits that expire during the period that commenced from 26 March 2020 up to and including 31 August 2020 are deemed to be valid and their validity period is  extended for a further grace period  ending 31 January 2021."

Vehicle licence discs, temporary permits and roadworthy certificates that expired during the same period are also valid until 31 August.
The AA says it trusts Government will monitor the situation with renewals closely and consider further extensions in the new year should the need arise. 

The extension is giving motorists some breathing space in terms of renewals, but the AA urges all motorists with expired licences to not waste the opportunity, but to get these renewed sooner rather than later. 

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