By William Madouk<\/p>\n
The directorate of traffic police has week issued new directives, shortening the duration of driving licenses from five years to one year for nationals, and from one year to six months for foreign drivers.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n This change was outlined in a circular dated January 4, 2025, written by Maj-Gen Kon John Akot, the director of traffic police, and directed to the chief inspector of the driving license department.<\/p>\n \u201cIn regard to the above-mentioned subject, be informed that, the duration for a driver\u2019s license to national (South Sudanese) is reduce from five years to one year while for foreigners is reduced from one year to six (6) months,\u201d partly reads a circular.<\/p>\n The chief license inspector was also instructed by Maj-Gen Akot to send all driver license files to national traffic for final approval prior to production.<\/p>\n Sections 31 and 32 of the Traffic Act, 2003, which establishes the legal framework, states that \u201ca driver’s license may be granted for a period of twelve months (1 year), three years, or five years,\u201d subject to renewal.<\/p>\n If implemented, drivers would be expected to spend over three hundred thousand South Sudan pounds or more than two hundred thousand annually for renewals.<\/p>\n Many drivers have expressed concerns about the additional expense and inconvenience of yearly renewals, especially given the current economic challenges.<\/p>\n Mr. Emmanuel Junior, a bus driver, voiced worries that the traffic police director should not make unilateral decisions, even in tough economic times.<\/p>\n \u201cHe can’t just decree what he wants. A driving license lasts five years for citizens and one year for foreigners. Reducing it to one year for citizens and six months for foreigners eliminates the distinction,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cHe cannot simply write and enforce an order as he pleases. I believe this order is invalid, and no one can afford to renew their license every year due to the economic crisis. I urge the director of traffic police to reconsider,\u201d Junior added.<\/p>\n He suggested that if the traffic department insists on this directive, drivers should meet with the traffic boss to discuss the issue amicably.<\/p>\n \u201cI advise that he revoke the one-year duration for driver’s licenses and follow standard global practices, which allow for a five-year duration.\u201d<\/p>\n Mr. Joseph Redento, another driver, suggested that such directives should be thoroughly studied and presented to parliament for scrutiny and approval.<\/p>\n \u201cOrders come from the government’s decision-making, but it is crucial that any decision undergoes rigorous analysis and is ultimately presented to parliament. I’d appreciate knowing if this specific decision has been brought to the August House,\u201d he inquired.<\/p>\n He demanded that the order be revoked, expressing disbelief that the traffic department could change vehicle licenses in two days while imposing such a significant reduction in the duration of driver’s licenses.<\/p>\n \u201cWe thought that the country’s economic circumstances were driving price increases, but shortening the duration of driving licenses is not a reasonable solution,\u201d he lamented.<\/p>\n \u201cIn my understanding, a driver’s license can be issued for one year, three years, or five years at different stages\u2014starting with a private license that can be renewed to a general license after three years, extending to five years. I don\u2019t understand the rationale behind this law, and we are requesting an explanation of how they arrived at this decision,\u201d Redento urged.<\/p>\n He also called on the government to alleviate the burden on citizens, stating that, \u201cthe more the government seeks to generate non-oil revenue, the heavier the burden becomes on the citizens. If the government reduces revenue collection, it would make life easier and more accessible for people. They should consider alternatives instead of imposing additional pressures.\u201d<\/p>\n James, another driver, demanded that the directive be rescinded, arguing that it exacerbates the difficulties faced by drivers.<\/p>\n “We drivers work in extremely difficult conditions, and the majority of us are forced into this line of work because of our children’s education, needs and added that the requirement to renew our driver’s license annually is unbecoming,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By William Madouk The directorate of traffic police has week issued new directives, shortening the duration of driving licenses from five years to one year for nationals, and from one year to six months for foreign drivers. 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