More than 2.2 million vehicle licence discs due to expire before festive season

The warning comes as traffic volumes are expected to rise significantly during the holiday period. The RTMC is calling on drivers to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy, their licences and vehicle documents are valid, and they are physically prepared for long-distance journeys.

Gauteng has the highest number of renewals due

A total of 2 248 795 vehicle licence discs are expected to expire over the two-month period. Gauteng accounts for the largest share, with 851 687 discs due for renewal.

The Western Cape has the second-highest number at 374 761, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 327 014. The figures released by the RTMC show the scale of the administrative task facing motorists and licensing services before the festive travel period begins.

• Gauteng: 851 687
• Western Cape: 374 761
• KwaZulu-Natal: 327 014
• Mpumalanga: 150 725
• Eastern Cape: 150 521
• Limpopo: 131 274
• Free State: 107 098
• North West: 106 663
• Northern Cape: 49 052

Motorists encouraged to renew early

Motorists have been encouraged to renew their vehicle licence discs online where possible and arrange for delivery to their homes or workplaces. Renewing ahead of the deadline can help drivers avoid leaving essential documentation until the final weeks of the year, when licensing services may face increased demand.

The RTMC has also pointed to extended operating hours at its Driving Licence Testing Centre. The centre operates seven days a week, from 7am until 9pm, giving motorists additional opportunities to attend to driving licence renewals before festive-season travel gets fully underway.

“These extended hours provide motorists with additional opportunities to renew their driving licences ahead of the busy festive season.”

Keeping vehicle and driving documents up to date is one part of preparing for a journey. The RTMC has stressed that administrative compliance should be accompanied by basic safety checks and responsible driving behaviour.

Vehicle checks should happen before long journeys

The corporation is urging motorists to have their vehicles inspected and serviced before setting out on long-distance trips. Particular attention should be given to tyres, brakes, lights, windscreen wipers and other essential safety components.

These checks are especially important when travelling in wet weather. Rainfall is expected in various parts of the country during the festive season, and drivers have been urged to take additional care when steering and managing their vehicles on wet roads.

Drivers should confirm that their tyres offer adequate grip, that windscreen wipers are working properly and that all vehicle lights are in good condition. These basic checks can support safer visibility, braking and vehicle control when conditions become difficult.

Fatigue and driver fitness remain key concerns

The RTMC has also called on heavy vehicle drivers to undergo appropriate health checks before undertaking long-distance journeys. The aim is to ensure that drivers are medically fit to drive and able to manage the demands of extended travel.

Drivers have been reminded to get enough rest, avoid driving while fatigued and take regular breaks during long journeys. Transport operators also have a responsibility to ensure that their drivers are fit for duty and that vehicles are in a safe operating condition before they are dispatched.

Fatigue can affect concentration, judgement and reaction time. Planning rest stops before a trip provides a practical way for drivers to avoid continuing when they are no longer alert enough to drive safely.

RTMC calls for responsible festive-season driving

The RTMC said road safety begins before a journey starts. Proper planning, responsible driving behaviour and regular vehicle maintenance are all necessary to help reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities during the festive season.

Motorists have been reminded to obey posted speed limits, maintain a safe following distance and never drive under the influence of alcohol. Everyone travelling in a vehicle should wear a seatbelt for the entire journey.

“Road safety begins before a journey starts: proper planning, responsible driving behaviour, and regular vehicle maintenance are essential to reducing road crashes, injuries, and fatalities during the upcoming festive season,” the RTMC said.

With more than two million vehicle licence discs approaching expiry, renewing documentation is an immediate step motorists can take before travelling. Checking roadworthiness and ensuring that drivers are rested and fit to drive are equally important parts of preparing for safer roads.

The RTMC’s message is aimed at motorists, heavy vehicle drivers and transport operators alike: holiday travel should begin with valid documents, a properly maintained vehicle and a driver who is ready for the journey.