The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) says South Africa could move towards a fully digital vehicle licensing system, potentially eliminating the need for physical licence discs displayed on vehicle windscreens.
The proposed system would allow traffic officers to access vehicle registration and compliance information electronically through number-plate recognition technology.
RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said the move is intended to modernise enforcement processes and tackle fraud linked to the current licensing system.
“There are many challenges with the current system, the main one being corruption involving the production of fake discs on the black market,” Zwane explained.
He said a digital approach would improve oversight and strengthen law enforcement capabilities.
“The system will reduce corruption, modernise systems and improve traffic law enforcement,” Zwane said.
The digital licensing model is expected to integrate with existing electronic traffic-fining technology and support more efficient compliance monitoring.
However, authorities have stressed that no implementation date has been announced at this stage.
VOC News
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