Government urges citizens to renew expired driving licenses

JUBA – South Sudan’s ministry of interior has called on all citizens with expired driving licenses to renew them, stressing the importance of compliance with the law and maintaining valid credentials for legal driving.

The ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that the directive applies to all license holders, regardless of whether their initial license durations were for one, three, or five years.

The appeal aims to ensure adherence to the Traffic Act of 2003, which governs licensing protocols across the country.

“The Office of the Deputy Minister of Interior is hereby notifying all individuals whose driving licenses have expired to proceed with the renewal process as specified in accordance with relevant legislation,” said police spokesman Col. John Kassara Koang Nhial in a statement to Sudans Post on Tuesday.

“This notification is particularly directed toward those whose licenses have lapsed, regardless of whether the initial duration was 1, 3, or 5 years. According to the Traffic Act of 2003, Chapter 4, Section 31.4, it is clearly stated that a driving license shall remain valid until it expires, at which point it must be renewed upon presentation to the Licensing Authority along with the requisite fee,”  he added.

Col. Kassara emphasized that the validity of licenses issued or renewed is limited to periods of 12 months, three years, or five years, depending on the holder’s preference at the time of issuance.

“It is imperative for all license holders to adhere to this directive to ensure compliance with the law and maintain the validity of their driving credentials. The renewal process is critical not only for legal driving privileges but also for safety and regulation within the transport sector,” he stated.

He urged those with expired licenses to act promptly to avoid potential legal consequences for driving without valid credentials.

“For further inquiries regarding the renewal procedures, please contact the relevant licensing authorities,” Kassara added, indicating that the directive forms part of broader efforts by the ministry of interior to streamline regulatory compliance in the transport sector and uphold safety standards on South Sudan’s roads.