You probably might still be allowed to drive with an expired road tax until May

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) is planning to extend their exemption period for the renewal of road tax for private vehicles for another two months. The extension will enable the Ministry to “make necessary preparations” as the number of COVID-19 cases are still pretty high—at above 1,000 a day.

In late January, MOT granted exemptions to all private vehicle owners from renewing their private motor vehicle licenses and driving licenses from 1 February to 31 March 2021. The exemption does not apply to owners of commercial vehicles’ road tax.

Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong also stated that drivers would still need to make sure that they have a valid motor vehicle insurance. You are advised to retain a copy of your own private vehicle’s insurance certificate as proof in case it’s needed for verification by enforcement personnel.

On 9 March, it was reported that there was a growing frustration by vehicle owners seeking to renew their road tax. Vehicle owners complained of “being turned away” when trying to renew their road tax—supposedly due to “a shortage of road tax stickers”.

After numerous attempts to seek clarification from the Road Transport Department by The Sun, one officer responded that road tax stickers would get restocked “in the next few days”. This could be a one of the reasons why MOT is thinking about extending the exemption.

“At the same time, the ministry is thinking of an effective way to settle unpaid road tax cases in phases to avoid congestion (at Road Transport Department counters) once the exemption is lifted,” said minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong.

If the road tax exemption is official, you could still drive your private vehicle with an expired road tax until May 2021 provided that you’ve renewed your vehicle’s insurance. But stay tuned to their official announcement.

[ SOURCE ]

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