Vehicle licences that expired between 26 March up to and including 31 August, will only be valid up to 31 August 2020. This means motorists have until this date to renew without being penalised or charged arrears fees.
The normal grace period of 21 days kicks in after the expiry of the 90 days grace period which was only introduced because of the constraints brought about by the state of lockdown.
It’s important to note that there will no longer be a 90-day grace period after 31 August as most motorists seem to believe.
The 90-day grace period was given after the hard lockdown restrictions were lifted and was initially only for licences which expired during the lockdown between 26 March and 31 May. This was then extended until the end of August for vehicle licence renewals.
Expired learners or drivers’ licences
The January 2021 extension also only applies to expired learners or drivers’ licences which have expired during 26 March and 31 August 2020 and does not apply to vehicle licences.
All learners licences, driving licence cards, temporary driving licences and professional driving permits that expired from 26 March up to 31 August 2020 are extended to 31 January 2021.
All motor vehicle licence discs, temporary permits, and roadworthy certificates that expired during the period that commenced from 26 March 2020 up to and including 31 May 2020 are deemed to be valid and their validity period is extended for a further grace period ending on 31 August 2020.
Motor trade number licences that expired during the period that commenced from 26 March 2020 up to and including 31 May 2020 are deemed to be valid and are extended for a further grace period ending on 30 November 2020.
In summary, motorists have until 31 August 2020 to renew lockdown expired vehicle licences.
Learners and driving licence cards which expired from 26 March up to and including 31 August 2020, have until January 2021 to renew.
Motor trade number licences grace period extended to 30 November 2020.
Motorists can also renew their vehicle licences at selected South African Post Offices in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, North West, Free State, or KwaZulu-Natal.
