Punjab’s Licensing Crisis: 6 Lakh Motorists Await Driving Licences and Registration Certificates
Punjab is facing a massive backlog in the issuance of driving licences (DLs) and vehicle registration certificates (RCs), leaving nearly 6 lakh motorists in limbo. The delay has caused inconvenience to vehicle owners, with many struggling to legally drive their vehicles or complete ownership transfers.
What’s Causing the Delay?
The crisis has been attributed to multiple factors, including:
🔹 Technical Glitches – Issues in the Sarathi and Vahan portals, which manage DLs and RCs, have slowed down processing.
🔹 Shortage of Smart Cards – A lack of printing material for smart DLs and RCs has further delayed distribution.
🔹 Staff Shortage – Several Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) are facing manpower constraints, adding to the backlog.
Impact on Motorists
✔ Drivers Face Legal Risks – Many motorists are forced to drive with expired licences or temporary permits, leading to potential fines.
✔ Vehicle Buyers Stuck – Individuals purchasing new or second-hand vehicles are unable to obtain registration certificates on time.
✔ Transport Sector Affected – Commercial vehicle operators are facing delays in fleet expansion due to pending RC approvals.
What is the Government Doing?
The Punjab Transport Department has announced measures to clear the backlog, including:
✔ Deployment of Additional Staff – More personnel will be assigned to speed up processing.
✔ Priority Processing for Pending Applications – RTOs will focus on clearing older requests first.
✔ New Printing Contracts – Efforts are being made to secure smart card suppliers for faster issuance.
When Will the Issue Be Resolved?
While the government is working on solutions, no fixed timeline has been given for clearing the backlog. Motorists are advised to track their application status online and keep digital copies of their documents as temporary proof.
Would you like assistance in checking the status of pending applications or understanding the online renewal process?
