South Africans who regularly use their driving licences as proof of identity could soon need alternative identification documents under proposed changes to national road traffic regulations.
The Department of Transport wants to prevent driving licences, learner’s licences and Traffic Register Number (TRN) certificates from being accepted as general identification documents.
According to government news agency SAnews, the proposed amendments aim to close loopholes that have allowed road traffic documents to be used for purposes beyond their original function.
The changes are not yet in effect and will first undergo public consultation.
Government Targets Misuse of Traffic Documents
The proposal follows a 2023 investigation involving the Department of Transport and Home Affairs.
Investigators discovered that some institutions were accepting driving licences and TRN certificates as general proof of identity.
The department explained that TRNs were created to allow people without South African identity numbers to complete road-related transactions through the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS).
However, these certificates were not intended to replace identification documents issued by Home Affairs.
The department maintains that the changes will bring traffic regulations in line with the Identification Act of 1997.
What Changes for South Africans?
Under the proposed amendments, driving licences and learner’s licences would no longer qualify as general identification documents.
This could affect institutions such as banks, airports, workplaces and residential estates that currently accept driving licences for identity verification.
The changes would not prevent motorists from using valid driving licences for their intended driving-related purposes.
The department also wants stricter controls over TRN certificates.
People holding TRNs would be required to surrender them within 21 days of obtaining another acceptable form of identification.
Certificates without an expiry date would need to be replaced within three months after the regulations take effect.
Public Consultation Before Implementation
The Department of Transport plans to publish the proposed amendments in the Government Gazette.
According to SAnews, individuals and affected institutions will have 30 days from publication to submit written comments.
Government will consider these submissions before finalising the regulations.
No implementation date has been announced.
For now, the proposed restrictions are not yet legally enforceable, and motorists should continue following existing identification requirements.