Asunción, Paraguay – Félix Hernández Jiménez, head of the National Road Safety Agency (ANTSV), clarified that while driver's licenses have a validity of five years, there is an annual renewal obligation, and the only entity authorized to impose fines for failure to comply with the annual renewal on time is the municipality that issued the license.

In an interview with a radio station, Jiménez emphasized, "Drivers may be stopped for not having renewed their license annually, but this is only within the jurisdiction of the municipality that issued the license. Other regions cannot stop drivers or impose fines for not having completed the annual renewal."

Several municipalities across the country set the deadline for the 2025 driver's license renewal on March 31st. However, the city of Asunción extended the renewal period until May 31st.

Meanwhile, the Highway Patrol also reiterated that fines can only be imposed when the 5-year validity period expires, not for the lack of annual renewal. This measure is based on Law No. 5016 on Traffic and Road Safety.

The current fine structure is as follows:

Expiration of 5-year validity: 10 times the minimum daily wage (1,076,270 Guaraníes)
Not carrying a driver's license while driving: 5 times the minimum daily wage (538,035 Guaraníes)
Failure to present a valid municipal vehicle registration certificate: 5 times the minimum daily wage and vehicle towing
The Highway Patrol added that presenting driving-related documents in digital format through the 'Portal Paraguay' app, developed by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (MITIC), is also valid, in addition to physical documents.

On another note, numerous cases have been reported where parents listed on the Registry of Defaulting Alimentation Debtors (REDAM) face difficulties in renewing or obtaining new driver's licenses. Currently, the driver's license procedures of over 1,000 individuals are on hold due to non-compliance with alimony payment obligations.

Driver's License Renewal Procedure: Generally, renewal applications can be made at the traffic department of each municipality or designated institutions. Required documents may include a valid identification document, the existing driver's license, a medical certificate, and a fee.

Use of Digital Driver's License: Having a driver's license in digital format via the 'Portal Paraguay' app allows individuals to present their smartphone screen as proof of identity during checkpoints. However, it is recommended to also carry the physical driver's license as a backup in case of digital device unavailability (e.g., battery depletion).

Sanctions for Defaulting Alimony Debtors: Inclusion in the Registry of Defaulting Alimentation Debtors can lead to restrictions not only on obtaining and renewing driver's licenses but also on passport issuance, among other procedures. To be removed from the registry, the full outstanding alimony debt must be paid.

This clear guidance from the National Road Safety Agency is expected to resolve confusion regarding the annual driver's license renewal obligation and the authority to impose fines, thereby reducing instances of unfair penalties for drivers.

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