Travelling this Easter? Will your disc or driving licence still be valid?

Time is running out for hundreds of thousands of drivers whose vehicle licence discs and driving licence cards are set to expire at the end of March. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) urges drivers to ensure their discs and licence cards are up to date, especially for motorists travelling over the Easter long weekend. Easter falls on Friday, 3 April.

RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said, “The Natis system indicates that 700 399 vehicle licence discs will be expiring at the end of March.” “A total of 128 080 driving licence cards will be expiring in the same period and need to be renewed,” continued Zwane. “Motorists who value convenience can renew their vehicle licence discs from the comfort of their home or office by usingonline.natis.gov.za,” said Zwane. “Drivers based in Gauteng, Gqeberha and Karigan in the Eastern Cape can use the same platform to prebook a slot to renew driving licence cards.

Drivers in other provinces can use the services at their driving licence centres,” RTMC said on Tuesday. He said the disc would be delivered within three to five working days. According to the South African Government website, you have a 21-day grace period to renew your car licence after its expiry date.

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During this time, you can renew it without incurring any penalties. If you fail to renew within the grace period, you will be liable for late licensing penalties and arrears. The penalty is 10% of the annual licensing fee for every month the licence lapses.

Traffic officers can impound your vehicle if they catch you driving with an expired licence disc. This triggers a nightmare of extra costs and paperwork that you should avoid at all costs.

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