Today: December 13, 2024 - Up to 50% Discount & FREE Quotation

Table of Contents

Rising Vehicle-Related Crime Highlights Issue of Number Plate Cloning in South Africa View My Fines

Rising Vehicle-Related Crime Highlights Issue of Number Plate Cloning in South Africa

Vehicle-related crime in South Africa is seeing an uptick, with a range of offences that extend beyond the well-known issues of hijackings and car thefts. A less common but significantly impactful crime is vehicle number-plate cloning, a phenomenon that is affecting a considerable number of South African motorists, according to reports from Law for All.

The Extent of Plate Cloning in South Africa

Law for All sheds light on this underreported issue, stating,

Much like identity theft, this means that a criminal can pass off your information and details as their own, and it has widespread consequences.

Although nationwide statistics are unavailable, it has been reported that approximately one in five vehicles in Gauteng have experienced plate cloning. Criminals use these duplicate plates to evade traffic fines and e-toll fees. Law for All noted the alarming ease with which fraudulent number plates can be obtained, highlighting that,

it is as easy as walking into an SABS-approved shop and ordering one – without having to produce an ID or license disc.

They also mentioned the existence of ‘backstreet’ outlets selling fake plates.

The Impact on Motorists

Advocate Jackie Nagtegaal, the managing director at Law for All, emphasized the serious repercussions for the legal owners of the cloned plates. They are held responsible for any traffic fine incurred by the criminal using the fake number plate, putting them at risk of facing criminal charges if the fines remain unpaid for a prolonged period.

Nagtegaal warned,

The onus is on the legal owner of the vehicle to prove his or her innocence. This also means that motorists could face potential criminal charges if the fines go unpaid for a long period of time. In short, motorists can ‘commit crimes’ without their knowledge.

Moreover, unresolved fines can hinder the renewal of the vehicle’s licence disc.

How Much is a Drivers License in South Africa?

Reporting Cloned Number Plates

In the event of falling victim to this crime, it is advised to report the matter promptly. Initiating a case with the South African Police Service (SAPS) is a crucial step, along with informing local metro police and traffic officials.

To address traffic fines accumulated through fraudulent plates, contacting the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) is recommended. The agency aims to “ensure that individuals understand their rights and options” in relation to road violations. Disputing fines issued by AARTO should be done through its online query system, albeit it might be a long and frustrating process.

Preventing the Purchase of a Car with Cloned Plates

To curb the perpetuation of this issue, potential car buyers are urged to take the following measures:

  • Purchase only from reputable dealers
  • Avoid cars lacking an owner’s manual or service book
  • Verify that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches the chassis number, checking for signs of tampering
  • Ensure the availability and functionality of two sets of keys
  • Request proof of registration and residence from private sellers when buying a car with cash

 

Law for All encourages vigilance, urging individuals to report any suspicious activity promptly, as they foresee no immediate slowdown in vehicle-related crimes. They stress the importance of being extra cautious in the current climate to protect oneself from the repercussions of this criminal activity.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Telegram

Related Posts

speed limits
Wiki

Speed Limits in South Africa

The speed limit on a road in South Africa is normally specified by a sign alongside that road. If no sign is present, then the general speed limits are: 60km/h on every public road in an urban area. 100km/h on every public road situated outside an urban area excluding a freeway. 120km/h on every freeway.

Read More »
how do traffic fines work
Wiki

How Do Traffic Fines Work in South Africa

South Africa is a country where paying a traffic fines is not an option but a necessity. No matter if a motorist speeds past the speed limit on a highway or runs at 100km per hour through the suburbs, they will know they are violating the law and must pay the penalty.

Read More »
how to get a drivers licence is south africa
Wiki

How to Apply for a Drivers Licence in South Africa

All South African drivers are required to have a credit card format driving licence. This is automatically issued when a new driver receives a licence. The credit card style driving licence expires five years from the date on which it was issued. The expiry date appears on the card. Before the card expires, you should apply for a new card. The credit card style driving licence expires five years from the date on which it was issued.

Read More »
how to replace a lost drivers license south africa
Wiki

How to Replace a Lost Drivers License in South Africa

It can be frustrating to lose your driver’s licence. Knowing what to do to get it replaced as soon as possible is essential. If you are familiar with the steps, replacing a driver’s license in South Africa can be quite simple. This article will give you a detailed guide to replacing a South African driver’s licence.
The credit card style driving licence expires five years from the date on which it was issued.

Read More »
how to apply for car insurance in south africa
Car News

How to Apply for Car Insurance in South Africa

South African car owners must have insurance. Car insurance is required by law for all motorists. It provides financial protection in the event of an accident. It can be difficult to find the right car insurance policy in South Africa, given all of the options. We will walk you through how to apply for South African car insurance. The credit card style driving licence expires five years from the date on which it was issued.

DLCA Advances Towards Online Driving Licence Renewals

Read More »