Gauteng launches tamper-proof licence plates

Updated June 9, 2025, 6:30 a.m. | By East Coast Breakfast

Gauteng launches a high-security, tamper-proof licence plate system to tackle vehicle-related crime

The Gauteng Provincial Government has officially launched its new high-security, tamper-proof number plate system.

This is a bold move in an attempt to curb the rising levels of vehicle-related crime in the province.

The initiative was unveiled on Thursday, 5 June, at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg by Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.

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This long-anticipated rollout follows through on commitments first announced in December 2022, when Premier Lesufi revealed that the province would introduce new vehicle number plates as part of a broader crime-fighting strategy.

The system is designed to address persistent issues such as vehicle theft, car cloning, kidnappings, and other serious crimes often committed using undocumented vehicles.

The South African reported that Gauteng has grappled with challenges stemming from non-compliant and fraudulent number plates for years.

These challenges have undermined public safety and vehicle traceability.

Criminal syndicates have exploited the weaknesses of the vehicle registration system, using cloned or undocumented cars to evade law enforcement.

What makes the new plates different?

The new licence plates incorporate several advanced security features aimed at modernising vehicle identification processes:

QR codes: Each plate is fitted with a scannable QR code linked to a secure, cloud-based database. This enables authorities to instantly verify a vehicle’s ownership, licensing status, and whether it’s been flagged as stolen.

Tamper-evident decals: The plates feature decals designed to visibly misform or tear if tampered with, making them difficult to remove or duplicate without detection.

Manufacturer’s mark: Every plate will carry a unique identifier from its approved manufacturer, ensuring improved traceability and accountability within the supply chain.

This rollout follows forensic investigations conducted by the Department of Transport in 2022 into alleged fraud and maladministration at Gauteng’s driving licence testing centres (DLTCs).

The investigation revealed alarming practices, which include the use of fraudulent optometrist certificates, collusion between examiners, applicants, and driving schools, and lifestyle audits which exposed assets not in line with employee salaries.

These underscored the urgent need for a more secure and accountable vehicle registration and licensing system in Gauteng.

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The new plates will first be piloted on government-operated vehicles within the province over a six-month period.

As Gauteng continues to battle high levels of vehicle-related crimes, this new licence plate system marks a vital intervention in the province’s broader crime prevention strategy.

If it’s successful, it could serve as a blueprint for other South African provinces to modernise their own vehicle registration systems in the fight against crime.