Cape Town - SA drivers are now required to provide a proof of residence when applying to renew their vehicle licence.
The new rule came into effect on Monday (November 2 2015) by the National Department of Transport as part of Regulation 32A of the National Road Traffic Regulations.
Take note
Drivers, whose vehicle licences are up for renewal in November, should take note that the issuing of a vehicle licence disc could be denied if these new requirements are not met.
New car licence rules for SA: Angry users respond
The department said the new requirements entail the provision of proof of a person’s particulars (full names and identity document) and the residential and postal address for verification when:
• There is a change of the person’s particulars or change of address
• When an application is made for a national traffic information system (NaTIS) service at the City’s Motor Vehicle Registration offices or at a driving licence testing centre.
• These include, amongst others, applying for a driving licence, applying for the renewal of a driving licence, applying for a learner’s licence, applying for vehicle licence disc, renewing a vehicle licence disc, and registering a vehicle.
Proof of address can include a utility bill issued by the municipality, a telephone account and retail store account (provided that it is not older than three months).
Click here for a list of acceptable documents posted by the City of Cape Town.
The Department of Transport says the purpose of this regulation is to ensure all people registered on the system "promptly and timeously receive their vehicle and driving licence renewal notices and any other road traffic related communique."
What about outstanding e-toll fees?
The Automobile Association said: "Regulation 32A of the National Road Traffic Regulations requires all persons to provide proof of residence to acquire a license disc.
"We would further like to point out that while there is a requirement for proof of residence, the new regulation cannot be used to withhold a license disc for outstanding e-toll fees.
"Regulations 25(7) and 59(2) of the National Road Traffic Act do not make provision for the withholding of licence discs for outstanding e-toll fees. Legislation that enables this action has not yet been gazetted."
What do you think of the new licence-renewal rules? Will it inconvenience you? Email usand we'll publish your thoughts.
More news in SA
New Passat arrives: VW's 'wind of change' for SA
Speed-trapping in SA: Can traffic cops hide in bushes?
Get out of the bushes! Users respond to SA's hidden cops