A. M. 
The Legislative Assembly approved two extensions this monday that seek to protect the economy of salvadorans: one related to the validity of motor vehicle license plates and another that maintains the stabilization of public transportation fares.
With these measures, public transportation users will not see an increase in their fare costs, and vehicle owners will be able to continue using their license plates without having to change them, thus avoiding additional expenses.
License plates valid until august 2026
One of the approved resolutions extends the validity of vehicle license plates until august 31, 2026. The provision is part of the Law on Tax Rights for the Circulation of Vehicles, a regulation created in 1993 that establishes the ownership, transfer, and circulation of motor vehicles, as well as the validity of license plates for five-year periods.
The batch of 2011-format license plates, which were originally scheduled to expire in 2017, has received successive extensions. First, it was extended to december 2021; then, following the economic crisis resulting from the pandemic, its validity was extended to april 2024, and then to august 2025. With the new approval, drivers will be able to use their current license plates until august 2026.
Caleb Navarro, deputy leader of the Nuevas Ideas party and the caucus, explained that the measure, in addition to protecting the salvadoran economy, “reduces red tape and prevents citizens from losing work days”, while also exempting them from penalties for carrying expired license plates.
Bus fare without increase
The second ruling approved by legislators concerns the Ley Transitoria para la Estabilización de Tarifas del Servicio de Transporte Público de Pasajeros tipo Colectivo y Masivo, which will now be in effect until december 31, 2026.
This measure ensures that salvadorans continue paying the same fare for public transportation, avoiding an increase that would affect households’ finances. It also ensures the continuity of bus and minibus service so that citizens can travel to work, home, and recreation.
The legislation was first approved in december 2021, extended until 2022, and extended again in 2024, until august 2025. Now, with the new provision, it remains in effect until the end of 2026.
Family finance protection
Both initiatives are part of the current Legislative Assembly’s efforts to prevent salvadorans from facing additional expenses in essential areas such as transportation and vehicle traffic.
With these extensions, the population will continue to benefit from stable public transportation fares and the validity of their vehicle license plates without having to incur additional procedures or payments.
