Monday Oct 05, 2026
Monday Oct 05, 2026
Monday, 5 October 2026 05:37 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
About 678,000 driving licences are awaiting printing at the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT), and the backlog continues to grow as daily printing capacity stands at only about 4,600 licences, officials told a Parliamentary committee.
The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development, chaired by MP S.M. Marikkar, instructed officials to conduct a formal investigation into the delays in issuing number plates and driving licences and to submit a full report within 45 days. The report is to cover how the delays began, the administrative and technical factors behind them, and the related tender and procurement process.
Officials said two new printing machines are expected to be installed by 15 October, raising daily capacity to 8,200 licences.
On number plates, officials said plates are now being issued within 14 days for vehicles registered after 10 March.
The Committee stressed the need to upgrade equipment and technical facilities and to put in place a systematic plan to prevent such delays in future. It also inquired into the Department’s administrative efficiency, vacancies, the expediting of procurement, and the prevention of unnecessary delays in public service delivery.
