Business updates

The Ministry of Land Transport and Light Rail wishes to inform the public that, in view of the Curfew period relating to COVID 19, it has been decided to grant an automatic three-month extension to owners of vehicles whose Motor Vehicle Licence (road tax) is expiring this 31st day of March 2020. This measure applies to private cars and public service vehicles such as taxis, contract buses/cars, public service buses and goods vehicles (lorries and vans).

The Ministry considers that these special arrangements will help towards an uninterrupted supply chain for the delivery of necessities such as food and other items and essential services. The automatic three-month extension will, however, be subject to the vehicles having a valid insurance cover. When the Curfew Order will be over, upon renewal, the Motor Vehicle Licence, the Public Service Vehicle Licence or the Carrier’s Licence will be deemed to have taken effect as from the date of its expiry.

The National Land Transport Authority will not impose the 50% surcharge on road tax as provided by the Road Traffic Act. Where the Certificate of Fitness of a vehicle has lapsed or will lapse during the Curfew period, the vehicle will be allowed on the road only in exceptional circumstances, that is, in case of a person holding a valid work permit access delivered by the Commissioner of Police, a medical emergency, or where a person has to purchase essential food items or necessities, subject to the vehicle having a valid insurance cover.

The Ministry makes a humble appeal to vehicle owners concerned to effect the renewal of the Motor Vehicle Licence, Public Service Vehicle or Carrier’s Licence and of the Certificate of Fitness, as may be applicable, as soon as the Curfew Order is over.

The Ministry relies on the usual understanding and collaboration of the public.