We've all seen the scene in a movie where a police officer sidles up to a vehicle pulled over on the side of the road, they lean into the window, and those all too familiar words are asked," License and Registration, Please?"
Related: How to register and license your car
In America, as depicted in movies, drivers are required to carry a valid vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and their driver's license when operating a vehicle. In South Africa, though, things are slightly different.
Everything you need to know about the ownership certificate
Documentation
Drivers are not required to carry those documents with them in South Africa. If you are pulled over by police or traffic officers, you are only required to have and produce the following.
Valid license disc
After your car has been registered to you, you will receive a license paper valid for 12 months from the date of issue. On that license paper is a circular disc that needs to be cut out and stuck on the left-hand side of the car's windshield. This is a legal requirement and constitutes a punishable offence if not present during a police search. Authorities may even impound your vehicle if you do not have this disc.
Valid driver's licence
The driver of the vehicle must have a valid driver's license on them and must produce it if requested to do so by a traffic or police officer.
Manuals, service book and other
Your car should come with an owner's manual and service book, which should stay with the vehicle. It is not a legal requirement, but will be wanted and needed during sales. If your car is under finance, you are legally required to have insurance on it. If so, you should have copies of the contact information and policy details to exchange with the other party in the event of an accident.
