South Africa's long-awaited revamp of vehicle registration and licensing regulations has been put on hold! The new rules, initially slated to kick in on 1 November 2025, have been postponed due to concerns raised by the City of Cape Town.
These significant reforms, stemming from updates to the National Road Traffic Act, aimed to strengthen licensing procedures across the nation. A key component of the proposed changes was the requirement for certified identification for all vehicle-related dealings.
Why the Delay?
The City of Cape Town flagged several ambiguous provisions within the new regulations, prompting the Department of Transport to delay implementation. One major point of contention was the need for motorists to submit certified copies of their IDs.
Certified ID Requirements: What's the Confusion?
Initially, the rule mandated that all drivers present certified IDs at licensing offices. A later exemption allowed motorists receiving SMS reminders from recognised authorities like the Road Traffic Management Corporation to bypass this requirement. However, questions remained about acceptable forms of identification.
- RSA ID Books or Cards
- Foreign Identification
- Traffic Register Number (TRN) certificates
Cape Town officials sought clarification on whether passports or driver's licences could also be considered valid certified identification. The proposed rules stipulated that all certified documents must adhere to strict conditions outlined in the Justices of the Peace and Commissioner of Oaths Act of 1963, including being dated within three months, bearing an official stamp, and signed by an authorized official.
What's Next?
The Department of Transport has confirmed an indefinite delay while these issues are resolved. Motorists are advised to stay tuned for further updates. Cape Town officials have indicated they will continue to work towards a clearer and more efficient system.