Motor Registration Division working to clear up backlog

The Registrar of Motor Vehicles wants to remind drivers whose licence expired during the public sector strike that they have 30 days from the date of expiry to arrange for a new one.

The registrar automatically extended driver�s licences that expired during the labour disruption for one month. This means a driver�s licence that expired on April 10, for instance, is now valid until May 10.

Drivers can arrange to have their photo taken and a new driver�s licence issued at Motor Registration Division (MRD) offices across the province.

The public sector strike has resulted in a backlog of work and longer than usual lines at MRD. The 30-day extension on driver�s licences should help reduce congestion by not requiring drivers to come in immediately for their new licence.

Drivers should check the date of expiry specified on their licence to confirm their new expiration date.

The public is encouraged to renew vehicle registrations over the Internet or at a financial institution to avoid waiting in line. At the Mount Pearl office, the wait is up to two hours.

Those who mailed renewals during the strike will not receive their stickers before the end of April. Renewal notices for expirations on May 31 will be mailed out in the next few days.

Staff are working diligently to clear up the backlog, and renewals will be mailed out as quickly as possible. The registrar requests that people do not call to inquire about renewals that were mailed during the strike for at least three weeks.

The staff at Motor Registration Division are asking for the public�s patience as they work to clear up the backlog.

Media contact: Tracy Barron, Communications (709) 729-4860 or 690-6157

2004 04 29                                         3:55 p.m.