EXPLAINER | Here’s why Gauteng plans to hike your car licence disc fees

The Gauteng provincial government intends to amend road traffic regulations relating to vehicle registration and licensing fees and is calling for public comments.

The proposed changes will see vehicle license fees increase of up to R264 for motorcycles, motor tricycles and motor quadricyles. For light vehicles like hatchbacks, motorists can expect to pay from R564 which is an increase from R528. Meanwile, motorists who own sedans and SUV’s can expect to pay up to R1,836

According to Melitah Madiba, head of communications at the Gauteng department of transport, the regulations are around mechanisms governing the periodic review and adjustment of motor vehicle registration and licensing tariffs.

“The department wishes to provide clarity to motor vehicle owners, transport operators and the public regarding the legal principles and administrative mechanisms governing the periodic review and adjustment of motor vehicle registration and licensing tariffs across the province,” said Madiba.

She said the review of public tariffs is not an arbitrary process but a strictly regulated statutory exercise designed to:

Madiba said in terms of Treasury regulation section 7.3.1, the accounting officer of an institution — in this case the MEC of transport — must review at least annually when finalising the budget all fees and charges, or the rates, scales or tariffs of fees and charges that are not or cannot be fixed by any law and which relate to revenue accruing to a revenue fund.

“This ensures that non-tax revenue mechanisms remain aligned with sound public financial management practices and prevailing economic realities.”

Madiba said the official schedule of approved tariffs will be published in the provincial gazette.

“Members of the public can inspect the revised fee structures at any local registering authority (RA) or driving licence testing centre (DLTC) across Gauteng.”

The regulations were published in English in the Gauteng Provincial Extraordinary Gazette No 247 dated August 5 for public comments and general information.

People who wish to comment on the regulations can send their written comments to: Office of the Director: Policy, Legislation, Research and Knowledge Management – 25th Floor, 45 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg.

They can also send an e-mail to: [email protected] or call 011-355-7190/7036.