Warning to SA motorists: 2.2 million licence discs to expire before New Year

More than 2.2 million vehicle licence discs are due to expire in South Africa during November and December, prompting a warning to motorists to renew their documents before the busy festive travel period.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said 2 248 795 vehicle licence discs are due for renewal over the two months as traffic volumes are expected to increase significantly on the country’s roads.

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Motorists are being urged to check their expiry dates, renew their licence discs on time and ensure that their driving licences and other vehicle documentation are valid before embarking on festive season journeys.

“With traffic volumes expected to increase significantly during the festive season, motorists are urged to renew their vehicle licence discs and driving licences before their expiry dates to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure compliance with road traffic legislation,” the RTMC said.

Which provinces have the most licence discs expiring?

Gauteng accounts for the largest number of vehicle licence discs due for renewal during November and December, followed by the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

The provincial figures released by the RTMC are:

• Gauteng: 851 687 licence discs
• Western Cape: 374 761
• KwaZulu-Natal: 327 014

Together, these three provinces account for more than 1.55 million of the licence discs due to expire during the two-month period.

How to renew your vehicle licence disc online

Motorists can renew their vehicle licence discs online through the National Administration Traffic Information System (NaTIS) website at online.natis.gov.za.

The online platform allows motorists to arrange delivery of their renewed licence discs to their homes or workplaces.

According to the RTMC, the platform has recorded eight million transactions since its launch in 2022, becoming a preferred renewal option for many motorists.

Renewing ahead of the expiry date can help motorists avoid last-minute administrative delays before travelling.

Driving licence renewals and testing centre hours

The RTMC has also encouraged motorists whose driving licences are due for renewal to make use of extended operating hours at its Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) facilities.

The corporation said the centres operate seven days a week, with extended hours from 07:00 to 21:00.

Motorists should confirm the operating arrangements of their intended centre before visiting.

Check your vehicle before a long journey

Beyond documentation, the RTMC has urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and properly maintained before travelling long distances.

The agency recommends paying particular attention to:

• Tyres and tyre condition
• Brakes
• Headlights, brake lights and indicators
• Windscreen wipers
• Other essential vehicle safety components

Heavy vehicle drivers are also encouraged to undergo appropriate health checks to ensure they are medically fit to drive.

The RTMC stressed that drivers should be adequately rested, avoid driving while fatigued and take regular breaks during long journeys. Transport operators have a responsibility to ensure their drivers are fit for duty and that vehicles are safe before being dispatched.

RTMC’s festive season road safety warning

Motorists are reminded to obey speed limits, maintain safe following distances, never drive under the influence of alcohol and ensure that everyone in the vehicle wears a seat belt.

The RTMC said proper journey planning, responsible driving and regular vehicle maintenance are essential to reducing road crashes, injuries and fatalities during the festive season.

With millions of licence discs due to expire before the end of December, motorists are encouraged to check their documents now rather than leave renewals until the last minute.