Motorists in Pretoria face the risk of a R500 fine if they do not change over to the new credit-card style licences by September 1 2002, but this rule does not apply in all the provinces.
Motorists in Pretoria face the risk of a R500 fine if they do not change over to the new credit-card style licences by September 1 2002, but this rule does not apply in all the provinces.
The quoted the acting director of metro policing in Pretoria, Schalk van Deventer saying that traffic authorities will no longer recognise licences stamped in identity documents from September.
But the Department of Transport’s website states that though motorists born in May have until August 31 to get their new licence, there will be a grace period until February 2003. The procedure started in March 1998 with motorists born in June being the first to obtain the new licence.
Van Deventer said licensing centres in Pretoria would extend their hours of operation to ensure more people will get the chance to convert to the new system.
CARtoday.com contacted other metro police departments to establish what action they will be taking and those questioned said they would not fine motorists until after the February 2003 deadline.
Wayne Minnaar, spokesman for the Johannesburg Metro Police, advised motorists to get their licences changed as soon as possible. “But we will not be fining drivers with the old identity book licence until after the grace period,” he said.
George van Vuuren, principal inspector of the Bloemfontein traffic police, also said motorists in the Free State would not be fined this year. “We will not fine until after the deadline,” he assured motorists.
The City of Cape Town spokesman said they would need written conformation from the Department of Transport on the matter if it has changed from the last instruction. CARtoday.com will update this story with details of Cape Town’s reaction as soon as we have more information.
Van Vuuren speculated that the deadline would most likely be extended again. “In the past, when motorists had to change from the old fold-up card licence in the Eighties to having it stamped in their identity documents, it took about five years for the process to be completed, and the deadline was extended. That could possibly happen again,” he said.
Minnaar said fines would be R500 for light motor vehicles and more for heavier vehicles. He said if a motorist is caught after February he or she will receive the R500 fine and ordered to retake the driver’s test, which could cost about another R150.
The new system was implemented to rid South Africa of fraudulent licences and ensure that the process is more efficient and cost-effective. It also enables traffic officials to trace histories of drivers within minutes.
