PRETORIA: The grace period deadline for expired motoring licences in South Africa is fast approaching.

The national Covid-19 lockdown imposed on the country in 2020 and 2021 forced licencing centres to close, resulting in a massive backlog of expired vehicle and driving licences.

This was compounded after the country’s only licence printing machine broke down at the end of 2021, leaving approximately half a million South African motorists stuck with expired driving licence cards.

Transport Fikile Mbalula had previously extended expired licences to 31 March 2022 due to delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic which meant motorists could not visit licensing centres. This grace period covered all documents which expired in the period between 26 March 2020 and 31 August 2021.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), in conjunction with the Department of Transport, has warned that this will be the final extension and no further grace period will be granted.

The RTMC also urged motorists to take advantage of its recently launched online licensing services to avoid the expected rush.

Darul Ihsan Media Desk