SA could soon go digital with driver’s licenses
Goodbye licence cards and car discs? South Africa could soon go fully digital, and here’s what it means for you!
A leading road safety expert is calling for South Africa to scrap physical driving licence cards and car discs, and go fully digital.
According to a report by MyBroadband, Rob Handfield-Jones, managing director of driving.co.za, recently requested Parliament to fast-track an electronic system.
This comes after repeated problems with the country’s one (and only) licence card printer, which has now been offline for over two months and is only expected to be fixed by mid-May 2025.
ALSO READ: Durban’s speed cameras are making a comeback
The Department of Transport’s plan to replace the ageing machine is also facing delays amid the rising costs, with new printers estimated at over R1 billion.
Handfield-Jones believes there’s a simpler, cheaper solution.
Just use the existing Electronic National Traffic Information System (eNatis) as the official record.
Let peace officers verify a driver or vehicle’s status using a fingerprint, ID number, or number plate scan.
No physical card or disc needed. We’re literally living in 2025.
ALSO READ: SAPS to roll out bodycams in 2025
This would save the country millions, cut down the queues for renewals, and help law enforcement target non-compliant drivers much more efficiently.
“Modern tech like fingerprint scanners and number plate recognition is already reliable and widely available,” said Handfield-Jones.
If adopted, this digital system could mark the end of physical licence cards and discs in South Africa.
HOW TO LISTEN TO EAST COAST RADIO
1. Listen to East Coast Radio on the FM (frequency modulation) spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.
2. Listen live to ECR by clicking here or download the ECR App (iOS/Android).
3. Listen to East Coast Radio on the DStv audio bouquet.
4. Switch to the audio bouquet on your OpenView decoder and browse to channel 606.
5. Listen to us on Amazon Alexa
Follow us on social media:
· TikTok
MORE ON EAST COAST RADIO
Have a similar story or something unique to share? Email us at [email protected], we would love to hear from you!