The registration process is a part of the Gauteng Provincial Government's strategy to implement a secure new number plate system aimed at combating crime aided by the use of illegal number plates!
A crackdown on illegal plates!
MEC Diale-Tlabela emphasized the importance of ensuring that number plate manufacturers and embossers operate in accordance with the law. In the past, the province has faced various challenges arising from non-compliant number plates, including compromised safety, an increase in vehicle-related crime, and a lack of accountability from manufacturers.
Section 5 of the National Road Traffic Act states that it is prohibited for manufacturers to engage in the manufacturing, selling, or distribution of number plates without proper registration. Government are said to be taking measures to secure the entire value chain, from manufacturing to distribution, to provide peace of mind to motor vehicle owners regarding the legitimacy and quality of their number plates.
The registration process
The registration process requires manufacturers to submit their applications to ensure compliance. Compliance inspectors will inspect the production sites of embossers to ensure adherence to regulations. Once an application is approved, manufacturers will be required to sign a Service Level Agreement with the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport.
The registration process comes as a response to the priority set by Premier Panyaza Lesufi in the GGT2030. During his State of the Province address in February 2023, Premier Lesufi announced that the province will introduce new number plates with enhanced security features to deter criminals. The province's current registration plates for cars are running out of numeric and alphabetic combinations, presenting an opportunity to overhaul the system.
What's new?
The Gauteng province has gazetted its intention to publish draft regulations outlining the introduction of new number plate security features, which are alleged to make use of microdot technology. The plan is to create tamper-proof plates that are difficult to clone. Whether this system will prove effective or not is yet to be determined.
