Have an expired driving licence card? Here’s some good news
If you've renewed your driving licence card and are still waiting for it, it’s important to know your rights.
There's some good news for motorists who are travelling with an expired driving licence but have applied within the three-month grace period.
The Department of Transport has remained mum on the setbacks around the production of driving licence cards in SA.
Reports from across the country suggest that the nation’s only driving licence printer is once again out of order, leaving many drivers without valid licences.
Driving without a valid driving licence will land you in trouble and affect your bank balance with a hefty fine.
However, if you can prove that you have applied for a new licence; this fine may not impact you.
According to My Broadband, a reader informed them of their experience last year when they were stopped and questioned about an expired licence.
The unnamed person spoke to authorities about their issue and proved that they had applied for a new licence. They were free to go.
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) states that driving licence cards are valid for three months after their expiry date, if the motorist has applied for a new card within that period.
It’s imperative to hold on to your receipt that proves you applied to renew your driver's licence.
OUTA explained that motorists are well within their legal rights to request a law enforcement official’s details and to refuse to pay any fine that is on the spot (if demanded).
“An officer may not demand payment at the scene for this fine,” OUTA said.
While drivers with expired licences may be fined, they should not be arrested.
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