The National Department of Transport in South Africa has proposed amendments to road traffic regulations to curb the abuse of road traffic documents. The proposed changes aim to restrict the use of traffic register numbers, learner's licences, and driving licences as general identification documents. This move is intended to align the legislation with the Identification Act. An investigation conducted in 2023 uncovered widespread abuse of TRNs and other road traffic documents being used as identity documents.
The investigation, which was conducted with assistance from the Department of Home Affairs, revealed that TRNs were being used beyond their intended purpose. The TRN was created to enable persons without a South African identity number to transact on the National Traffic Information System for road traffic purposes. However, it was never intended to serve as a general identification document. The department stated that the proposed amendments will introduce tighter controls for foreign nationals and TRN holders.
Under the proposed amendments, foreign nationals who are not permanent residents will be required to present a valid passport from their country of origin, accompanied by the relevant permit issued by Home Affairs. This move aims to strengthen controls and prevent the abuse of road traffic documents. The department also plans to tighten controls on TRNs, requiring holders to notify the registering authority within 21 days if they obtain another acceptable identification document.
TRN holders who obtain another acceptable identification document will have to surrender their TRN certificates. Additionally, TRNs will only remain valid for the period covered by the passport and permit used to obtain them. Holders of TRN certificates without an expiry date will have three months after the regulations come into effect to apply for new certificates. This move aims to ensure that TRNs are used for their intended purpose.
The proposed amendments will be published for public comment, with interested parties given 30 days from publication in the Government Gazette to submit written representations. The department stated that the regulations are not yet in force and will only take effect after public comments have been considered and the final amendments published with a commencement date. This allows for a transparent and inclusive process.
In the interim, provinces have been instructed to centralise TRN issuance at provincial help desks to strengthen controls. This move aims to prevent the abuse of TRNs and ensure that they are issued and used in a controlled and secure manner. The department is taking steps to ensure that the proposed amendments are implemented effectively.
The proposed amendments to the National Road Traffic Regulations aim to prevent the abuse of road traffic documents and ensure that they are used for their intended purpose. The department's efforts to strengthen controls on TRNs and driving licences will help to maintain the integrity of identification documents in South Africa. The public will have an opportunity to provide input on the proposed amendments.
Key points
- The proposed amendments aim to restrict the use of traffic register numbers and driving licences as general identification documents.
- The proposed changes aim to align the legislation with the Identification Act and prevent the abuse of road traffic documents.
- The proposed amendments will introduce tighter controls for foreign nationals and TRN holders.
