The National Traffic Police detained a man on the N1 for driving a vehicle with no registration plates.<\/p>\n
Authorities discovered that the driver submitted an affidavit to the police claiming that the plates were stolen. However, the officers found the registration plates hidden in the vehicle\u2019s spare wheel compartment.<\/p>\n
They then placed the suspect in custody while they continue their investigation.<\/p>\n
The incident has renewed attention on what South African law requires when it comes to displaying registration plates.<\/p>\n
WHAT THE LAW SAYS ABOUT REGISTRATION PLATES IN SOUTH AFRICA<\/p>\n
The National Road Traffic Act requires all vehicles to display registration plates at the front and rear.<\/p>\n
The Act states that plates must comply with SABS 1116 specifications<\/a>. Each number plate must remain clearly visible, legible, and securely fixed to the vehicle.<\/p>\n The law allows plates to sit upright or within 30 degrees of that position. <\/p>\n Motorists must affix plates using four-millimetre rivets or approved screws. Authorities prohibit loose, removable, obscured, or altered number plates.<\/p>\n LEGAL REQUIREMENTS OF REGISTRATION PLATES\u00a0IN SOUTH\u00a0AFRICA\u00a0<\/p>\n Only registered manufacturers and embossers are allowed to produce or sell number plates in South Africa.<\/p>\n