Number plates can cost you: make sure yours comply with regulation
EMPD officers may remove and confiscate non-compliant number plates.
During the recent Operation Shanela conducted in Brakpan (Operation Shanela tackles crime, September 25), it was noted that many motorists do not have the right number plates on their vehicles.
Constable Lindeni Mkhwanazi from the EMPD explained the EMPD may remove and confiscate number plates that don’t comply with regulations accompanied by a fine of R200 per number plate.
According to Mkhwanazi, in compliance with the National Roads Traffic Act (93 of 1996), the following signs are used to determine if a plate is falsified or non-compliant:
• Does the plate have the SANS 1116 sticker on it?
• Do the numbers, letters and badges align?
• Are the plates metal?
• Do the plates match the licence disk?
• Are the plates altered, replaced, or damaged?
Number plates have to be purchased from a registered manufacturer and embosser, and custom plates must be registered to the vehicle to which they are attached.
The plates cannot be Perspex or another type of plastic material, as the number plates are used in an accident to identify the vehicles involved. Perspex plates often shatter, according to Mkhwanazi.
Plates also must be firmly affixed to the vehicle at the required positions- one in the front and one in the back, and visible and legible.
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