With the national deadline for vehicle operating permit renewals approaching on the 30th of this month, many municipalities are extending their operating hours, including opening on weekends, to accommodate drivers. Drivers are urged to be especially careful, as a substantial fine will be imposed if the permit is not renewed by the deadline.
Paraguay's Vehicle Operating Permit (Habilitación Vehicular) must be renewed annually by June 30th. Failure to do so will result in a fine of G. 538,135 (Guaraní), equivalent to five days' wages. This amount, approximately $70 (USD), is significantly higher than the renewal cost. Consequently, municipalities nationwide are making every effort to manage the last-minute rush and minimize inconvenience for citizens.
Operating Hours by Major Municipalities
Areguá City: Will have special operating hours on the renewal deadline, Sunday, June 30th, from 7 AM to 12 PM. Additionally, from Monday to Friday, operations will run until 1 PM, with Valle Pucú and Caacupemí branches maintaining the same hours.
Itauguá City: The Traffic Safety Department will operate from Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 1 PM, and on Saturdays until 12 PM. Closed on Sundays.
Mariano Roque Alonso City: Will have special operating hours on Sunday, June 30th, from 7 AM to 12 PM.
Itá City: Will be closed on Sunday, June 30th, but will extend operating hours from 7 AM to 3 PM until next Tuesday.
Capiatá City: Will operate weekdays from 7 AM to 5 PM at the City Hall (along PY02 road) and the Regional Community Center (D027, formerly along PY01 road). On Saturdays, operations will run until 12 PM. Additionally, the Caja Pya'e service at the Plasolleta Municipal Square (along PY02 road) will be open Monday to Friday from 5 PM to 8 PM, Saturdays from 12 PM to 8 PM, and Sunday, June 30th, from 8 AM to 12 PM.
Villa Elisa City: Will have special operations on the weekend and Monday, July 1st. On Sunday, June 30th, hours are 7 AM to 12 PM, and on Monday, July 1st, from 6:30 AM to 7 PM.
Lambaré City: Will operate on Sunday, June 30th, from 8 AM to 12 PM, and on Monday, July 1st, from 7 AM to 3 PM.
San Lorenzo City: Will operate on Monday, July 1st, from 7 AM to 3 PM.
Fernando de la Mora City: Will have special operating hours on Sunday, June 30th, from 7 AM to 1 PM.
Asunción City: Will operate Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 4 PM, and Saturdays from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
Renewal Procedure and Required Documents
To renew a vehicle operating permit, the following documents are generally required:
Original Vehicle Registration (Cédula del Automotor Original): A document stating the vehicle's owner and basic information.
Previous Year's Vehicle Operating Permit (Habilitación del año anterior): The existing permit must be presented.
Driver's License (Licencia de Conducir): A valid driver's license must be presented.
Identification Card (Cédula de Identidad): An ID card is required for driver identification.
Mandatory Automobile Liability Insurance Certificate (Comprobante de Póliza de Seguro Obligatorio): In Paraguay, all vehicles are mandatorily required to have liability insurance, so a valid insurance certificate must be submitted. This is to compensate for potential damages to third parties in the event of a traffic accident.
Vehicle Technical Inspection Certificate (Inspección Técnica Vehicular - ITV): Some municipalities require a vehicle inspection certificate to confirm the vehicle's technical condition. This procedure ensures the safe operation of the vehicle.
Tax Payment Confirmation (Comprobante de Pago de Impuestos): Documents confirming payment of vehicle-related taxes may be required.
The required documents may vary slightly by municipality, so it is crucial to check the respective city hall website or call for accurate information before visiting. Most municipalities publicize relevant information on their websites and operate inquiry hotlines.
Penalties for Non-Renewal
In addition to the fine equivalent to five days' wages for not renewing the vehicle operating permit, the following disadvantages may be incurred:
Vehicle Impoundment: Non-renewed vehicles can be impounded during traffic stops. To reclaim an impounded vehicle, additional costs such as storage fees must be paid in addition to the fine.
Traffic Points Imposed: Points may be added to the driver's record, which could negatively affect future driver's license renewals or insurance premium calculations.
Disadvantages in Case of Accident: If an accident occurs with an invalid operating permit, insurance coverage may be restricted, or the driver may bear greater responsibility in the accident settlement process.
Thus, renewing the vehicle operating permit is not just a legal obligation but a crucial procedure that directly affects driver safety and financial burden. Congestion is expected during the final renewal period, so it is advisable to visit early or actively use online renewal services if offered by the municipality.
Currently, vehicle operating permit renewals across Paraguay are supported by many municipalities through electronic payment systems, allowing for convenient online processing. Additionally, some large supermarkets and convenience stores offer renewal agency services, increasing accessibility for citizens. It is wise to utilize these convenient services to complete the renewal by the deadline and avoid unnecessary fines.
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