Gauteng Roads Department warns motorists and taxi operators over non-compliance

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) has issued a stern warning to motorists and public transport operators who continue to disregard traffic regulations and defy law enforcement directives on Gauteng’s roads. The Department stated that it has observed with serious concern the persistent noncompliance with key legislative requirements, including driving without a valid driver’s licence, operating public transport vehicles without a Professional Driving Permit (PrDPs), operating without a valid operating licence , and driving unroadworthy vehicles on public roads. The roads MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela emphasised that decisive enforcement action will be intensified to restore compliance and protect road users.

“Lawlessness on our roads will not be normalised. Those who deliberately ignore traffic and public transport laws must be prepared to face the full might of the law, including substantial fines, vehicle impoundment, and possible arrest.” The department emphasised that compliance with traffic and transport legislation is a statutory obligation. The department said that the vehicles operating without proper documentation or in an unsafe mechanical condition pose a direct threat to passengers, pedestrians and other motorists.

“Our law enforcement officers are deployed to protect and safeguard lives. Any operator who chooses to function outside the legal framework is endangering communities and undermining collective road safety efforts,” said Diale-Tlabela. The department reminds public transport operators that valid operating licences and strict adherence to approved routes remain mandatory under applicable transport legislation.

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Vehicles found operating illegally or deviating from authorised routes will be impounded without exception, with storage and release costs borne by the owner. “Your vehicle is your livelihood. When it is impounded, your income is immediately affected.

Compliance is not only a legal requirement; it is an economic necessity,” expressed the MEC. The roads department also warns that operating an unroadworthy vehicle constitutes a criminal offence and may invalidate insurance claims, leaving operators fully liable in the event of crashes. The department urges all road users to:• Carry a valid driver’s licence at all times• Obtain and maintain valid PrDPs, where required• Operate strictly with valid operating licences and on approved routes• Ensure vehicles are roadworthy and meet safety standards

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