The recent launch of a handheld electronic traffic notice system by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) could pave the way for South Africa to move toward a fully digital licensing system.
New Tech Powers Digital Enforcement
On Friday, 8 August 2025, City of Joburg public safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku unveiled modified smartphones and portable printers for JMPD officers. These devices can verify vehicle and driving licence details, detect stolen or fraudulent cards, and access violation histories from the Electronic National Traffic Information System (eNatis).
The gadgets also allow officers to capture accident reports in under five minutes and issue notices, even during load-shedding or without a network connection. Based on images from the launch, JMPD appears to be using Honeywell’s ScanPal EDA52 an enterprise-grade mobile computer designed for secure, real-time communication with backend systems.
Why Keep Physical Cards?
Driving safety expert Rob Handfield-Jones says the new system raises a critical question: Why are physical driving licence cards and discs still necessary when eNatis already holds a complete digital record? He argues that instead of scanning barcodes, officers could authenticate drivers via biometric methods, such as fingerprint readers a feature already present in most modern smartphones.
Vehicle identification numbers (VINs), permanently marked on cars, can also be scanned to confirm registration details. Onboard diagnostics tools can further ensure VIN integrity. The key technical hurdle, he says, is ensuring devices can access eNatis data offline a feature the JMPD’s current solution appears to address.
A Push for Full Digital Transition
Handfield-Jones has submitted a proposal to Parliament advocating for an electronic-only licensing system. He believes physical cards and discs are outdated “tokens” that serve no safety purpose. Instead, licences should remain valid for a driver’s lifetime, provided they pass an eye test every five years.
The government has historically justified the current five-year licence validity period by citing road safety and card durability concerns. However, an independent departmental report found these claims weak, recommending an extension to eight years for laminated cards and ten years for upcoming polycarbonate versions.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has admitted that one reason for retaining the short renewal cycle is the revenue it generates. Handfield-Jones warns that unless the public demands reform, drivers will continue to face unnecessary costs under the “token-based” licence system.
Related article: New Launch Date Announced for South Africa’s Driver’s Licence Demerit System
