DGT FAQs re driving during the state of alarm

Hi Grahame

All they've said so far, regarding residency, visas, and other procedures that have to be done face-to-face, is that all deadlines are suspended.

I've not yet found any mention of what will happen when the lockdown is lifted.

For example:

MUY IMPORTANTE: Trámites Oficinas de Extranjería

Ante la situación generada por la evolución del Coronavirus COVID 19, y para adoptar medidas tendentes a la protección de la salud de la ciudadanía, queda suprimida la Cita Previa para todos los trámites de las distintas Oficinas de Extranjería, anulando las citas ya reservadas hasta la fecha. Se recuerda que la disposición adicional tercera del Real Decreto 463/2020, de 14 de marzo, por el que se declara el estado de alarma para la gestión de la situación de crisis sanitaria ocasionada por el COVID-19, establece la suspensión de los plazos administrativos, declarando la suspensión de los términos y la interrupción de los plazos hasta que pierda vigencia la declaración del estado de alarma –declarada en el citado real decreto– o, en su caso la prórroga del mismo. Por todo ello, cuando esta situación se normalice, se retomará la actividad habitual y se informará debidamente de los pasos a seguir.

DeepL translation:

VERY IMPORTANT: Foreigners' Office procedures

In view of the situation generated by the evolution of the Coronavirus COVID 19, and in order to adopt measures aimed at protecting the health of citizens, the Appointment for all procedures at the various Foreigners' Offices has been abolished, cancelling the appointments already booked to date. It is recalled that the third additional provision of Royal Decree 463/2020, of 14 March, declaring the state of alarm for the management of the health crisis situation caused by COVID-19, establishes the suspension of administrative deadlines, declaring the suspension of the terms and the interruption of the deadlines until the declaration of the state of alarm - declared in the aforementioned royal decree - or, if applicable, the extension of the same, is no longer in force. Therefore, when this situation is normalised, the normal activity will be resumed and the steps to be followed will be duly informed.

RayD. As I understand it Johnson cannot suspend it. It has been legislated through Parliament and only they can suspend or revoke it. Since parliament is not currently sitting that would appear to be impossible.

RayD They are. There are two pieces of business scheduled. Motion relating to Hybrid Scrutiny Proceedings to be moved without notice, and Statement from the Leader of the House regarding forthcoming business arrangements. There are four select committees sitting. All taking oral evidence. Three on subjects relating to Covid19 and one on the ageing prison population. Considering the prime minister's previous stance on delaying BREXIT I think it will be up to one of the other parties to place a motion in front of Parliament to extend the period of transition.

Rayd. Yes it could be a face saver. I am obviously not party to his thinking, or that of anyone else, However if you enter into a negotiation that has a time limit on it if you are genuinely seeking a resolution then the ticking clock definately  focuses the mind on finding a solution. It maybe that he will at some point in the future suggest that as significant progress has been made it would be in all our interests to extend the period of negotiations, who knows. In my opinion it is pointless to speculate or try to second guess the UK government's thought processes.