Insurance coverage still active if car driven with expired road tax during MCO

UPDATE: A day after this report was posted, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said motorists need not renew their expired road tax or driving licence during the MCO period (now extended to April 14). But they are required to do so within 30 days after the MCO is lifted. Dr Wee said the vehicle can continue to be driven provided it has a valid insurance coverage during the MCO period. The renewal exemption also applies to holders of the competent driver’s licence (CDL), the public service vehicle (PSV) licence and the goods driving licence (GDL).

 

PETALING JAYA: If you drive a car with an expired road tax during the movement control order (MCO) from March 18-31, it will still be covered by the insurance company.

However, the coverage is subject to two conditions, says General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM).

> The customer must have a valid motor insurance policy with effective date between March 18 and March 31.

> The customer must possess a valid driving licence.

PIAM had previously said that while it is illegal to drive with an expired licence or road tax, it is more important that the vehicle has insurance in force.

An offender will be fined if he or she drives without a valid licence or road tax.

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"An expired road tax will not render a motor insurance contract invalid if the vehicle has an insurance policy,” PIAM had pointed out.

On March 19, the Road Transport Department announced that it would shut down counter services nationwide from March 20-31 to avoid people thronging its premises and presenting a public health hazard in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Other agencies in the transport ministry had also stopped counter services. They include the Land Public Transport Agency, the Vehicle Licensing Board in Sabah and Sarawak, as well as JPJ services at post offices.

The renewal of road tax and other matters relating to JPJ can be made online via MYEG.com.my.

As of today, there were 1,518 people in Malaysia infected with Covid-19. A total of 212 new cases were recorded today. Those who have recovered numbered 159 while there were 14 deaths.