More than 2.2 million vehicle licence discs are set to expire across South Africa in November and December, prompting an urgent warning from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) for motorists to renew their documents and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy ahead of the festive season.
Gauteng accounts for the highest number of expiring vehicle licences, with 851,687 discs due for renewal over the two-month period, followed by the Western Cape with 374,761 and KwaZulu-Natal with 327,014.
According to the RTMC, a total of 2,248,795 vehicle licence discs will expire nationwide during November and December, raising concerns about motorists leaving renewals until the last minute as the country prepares for increased holiday traffic.
The road safety agency has urged motorists to take proactive steps to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure compliance with road traffic legislation.
The RTMC said motorists should renew their vehicle licence discs and driving licences before their expiry dates, particularly as traffic volumes are expected to increase significantly during the festive period.
Other provinces with substantial numbers of expiring licence discs include Mpumalanga with 150,725, the Eastern Cape with 150,521, Limpopo with 131,274, the Free State with 107,098, North West with 106,663 and the Northern Cape with 49,052.
To ease the renewal process, motorists have been encouraged to use the online NaTIS platform, which allows vehicle owners to renew their licence discs electronically and arrange delivery to their homes or workplaces.
The RTMC revealed that the online platform has processed eight million transactions since its introduction in 2022.
Motorists have also been urged to take advantage of extended operating hours at RTMC Driving Licence Testing Centres, which operate seven days a week between 07:00 and 21:00.
Beyond ensuring that their documents are valid, the agency has emphasised the importance of vehicle maintenance before undertaking long-distance journeys.
Motorists have been advised to inspect tyres, brakes, lights, windscreen wipers and other essential safety components to reduce the risk of mechanical failures and road crashes.
With rainfall expected in several parts of the country during the festive season, the RTMC has warned that wet road conditions could pose additional dangers, particularly for vehicles with worn tyres or defective safety equipment.
The agency has also directed a warning at heavy vehicle drivers and transport operators, urging them to prioritise driver fitness and vehicle safety.
Heavy vehicle drivers have been encouraged to undergo appropriate medical checks before embarking on long-distance journeys, while transport operators have been reminded of their responsibility to ensure that drivers are fit for duty.
The RTMC stressed that fatigue remains an important road safety concern, urging drivers to get adequate rest and take regular breaks during long journeys.
“We emphasise that road safety begins before a journey starts. Proper planning, responsible driving behaviour, and regular vehicle maintenance are essential to reducing road crashes, injuries, and fatalities during the upcoming festive season period,” Simon Zwane, RTMC spokesperson said.
The agency further appealed to motorists to obey speed limits, maintain safe following distances, avoid drinking and driving, and ensure that all passengers wear seat belts.
As South Africans prepare to travel to holiday destinations and visit families during the festive season, the RTMC has reiterated that road safety must remain a shared responsibility.
It said renewing vehicle licences, ensuring roadworthiness and confirming that drivers are medically fit and well-rested are critical measures in preventing road crashes and reducing fatalities.
The agency has called on all road users to prioritise responsible driving and vehicle safety in an effort to reduce the annual festive season carnage on South Africa’s roads.