New high-tech tamper-proof licence plates to be rolled out across Mzansi
In a significant move to clamp down on vehicle-related crime motorists across South Africa will endure the expense of applying for new tamper-proof license plates
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi prioritised tamper-proof licence plates in this week’s State of the Province Address (SOPA). However, motorists that thought the tamper-proof licence plates would only be contained up North, should think again …
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According to TopAuto, the National Department of Transport (DOT) is in the process of finalising draft legislation that will roll out the tamper-proof licence plates across all nine provinces in the country, as soon as the minister signs off on it.
TAMPER-PROOF LICENCE PLATES
In a bid to combat vehicle-related crime, Lesufi said 80% of major crimes in the province involve a vehicle in some way. “Stolen and hijacked cars are central to crime in our province. The majority of these vehicles use fake or duplicate number plates. We need to introduce new tamper-proof licence plates to strengthen our fight against crime,” said the premier.
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While it is still not known what the new tamper-proof licence plates will look like, social media is already abuzz with potential new designs. However, the general consensus from Mzansi is that this is yet another unnecessary and blatant money-making scheme for local government.
Prototypes of the new Gauteng plates were supposed to be revealed on Monday 19 February during SOPA. However, this deadline was missed for whatever reason, and we understand a new reveal date will now be Monday 1 April, hopefully not taking South African motorists for fools in the process.
ALL NINE PROVINCES
Moreover, the DOT is working on draft legislation so that a common introduction takes place across all nine provinces, not just Gauteng. Key to the licence plates will be a unique QR code linked to a national database in the cloud. Furthermore, easy identification and tracking will be made possible due to the technology.
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Should it go ahead, every motorist will need to reapply for new licence plates, effective from 1 April 2024. Therefore, all individuals who renew their license disc must also fork out at least R160 per plate, R320 for the pair, (as per the current pricing, although this will likely increase).
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What do you think of the idea of tamper-proof licence plates in South Africa? Necessary to halt car-aided crime, or another money-making scheme? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.