News
No cash for cards, so temp driver licence stretched for a year
View(s):By Jayanie Madawala
Due to the shortage of ‘smart cards’, the Department of Motor Traffic has decided to issue a temporary driving licence consisting of a security code valid for one year.
The Commissioner of Driving Licence (Werahera), Mr Wasantha N. Ariyarathna told the Sunday Times: “The shortage in supply of ‘smart cards’ is attributed to the delay in issuing of licence cards.’’
Many motorists are complaining that they have yet to get their ‘smart card’ despite having applied for renewal months ago. Many applicants for registration of new vehicles are also waiting for ‘smart cards’.
Mr. Ariyarathna said: “By the end of this year we will be able to import the cards. The Sri Lanka Army is now printing the drivers’ licence.’’
The Department of Motor Traffic has decided to extend the validity of the temporary driving licences for four months. A temporary driving licence was introduced in place of the licence that expired, for those that had been lost, or for new candidates.
“With the crisis situation, we have extended the validity period for one year,’’ Mr Ariyarathna said.
However, The Department of Motor Traffic is now issuing licences for Sri Lankans who are travelling overseas for jobs, or for any other situations. To obtain the card, one needs to present the air ticket, visa, and the passport.
Mr Ariyrathna said that for those who need to present their licence to a court, or to file an insurance claim, a card will be issued.
The validity can be extended at the Department of Motor Traffic office in Werahera or district offices, Mr Ariyarathna said. “Facilities have been introduced to renew the temporary driving licences in 25 districts.’’
But, there is no ’one-day service’.
“Usually, after the temporary driving licence is issued, applicants will receive another licence extending the period (of validity). This will be mailed to them. The usual plastic licence card has to be imported from Austria, but we can’t afford them. We should pay at least euro 600,000 to import these cards from Austria,’’ he said.
“Once we get the required card stocks, the original driving licences will be issued. We are hoping the situation will normalise by the end of this year.
“For the verification process in the temporary driving licence, we have added a sticker. The district branches will be linked through a network where the office will be equipped to handle issuing of licences.
“We intend to issue the driving licence as a QR code. The method will also use the National Identity Card to verify the licence holder. This is to bring out the driving licence that is available in four categories. We have already completed half of the work needed to implement the new system in collaboration with the police.’’
Speaking to the Sunday Times, Bhagya Jayasanka said: “I applied for renewal in March, but I haven’t received a smart card yet. It’s been months and the department can’t print driving licence cards due to a paper shortage, but has enough money for fancy projects.’’
Moreover, some motorists complain that in view of the oncoming crisis of having to update many driving licences, they have to pay a fine even though they were given an extended time by the department for not renewing their license.
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