Driving with an expired licence card is a common issue for many motorists in South Africa, largely due to administrative delays and inefficiencies in the renewal process. If your licence card has expired, you might be wondering how long can you drive with an expired licence card before facing fines. Here’s what you need to know.
How Long Can You Drive with an Expired Licence?
According to the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), motorists who have applied for a new licence card are granted a three-month grace period from the expiry date of their old card. During this period, how long can you drive with an expired licence card remains valid only if:
- You have already applied for a new licence.
- You carry the expired licence card and the receipt proving your application in your vehicle at all times.
If you fail to meet these conditions, you can be fined if stopped by law enforcement.
What Happens After the Three-Month Grace Period?
Once the three-month grace period has passed, your expired licence card is no longer considered valid, even if you have applied for a renewal. At this point:
- You can be fined for driving with an expired licence.
- The amount of the fine varies depending on the province.
- If you are involved in an accident, your insurance provider may reject your claim based on your expired licence.
How to Avoid Fines While Waiting for Your New Licence
If your new licence card has not yet been issued and the three-month grace period is ending, consider these steps to avoid fines:
- Get a Temporary Licence – Visit a driving licence testing centre (DLTC) and apply for a temporary driver’s licence. This document is valid for six months and serves as proof that you are legally allowed to drive while waiting for your new licence card.
- Keep All Relevant Documents in Your Vehicle – Always have your expired licence card, proof of renewal application, and temporary licence (if applicable) with you.
- Document Your Renewal Attempts – Keep records of all your interactions with the licensing authorities, including booking attempts and visits to the testing centre.
What Happens If You Are Stopped by Law Enforcement?
If you are pulled over with an expired licence card:
- Remain calm and present your expired card along with proof of renewal.
- If your three-month grace period has not yet expired, you should not be fined.
- If the grace period has expired and you have no temporary licence, you may receive a fine.
- Officers are not allowed to demand immediate payment at the roadside.
What to Do If You Receive a Fine
If you receive a fine for driving with an expired licence:
- In Gauteng: The fine will be handled under the AARTO Act.
- Elsewhere in South Africa: The fine falls under the Criminal Procedure Act.
- You can either pay the fine or challenge it in court if you believe it was issued unfairly. If you challenge it, present all supporting documents showing your attempts to renew your licence.
Also Read: Can You Renew Your Driver’s Licence at PostNet or the Post Office? Here’s What You Need to Know
In South Africa, you have a three-month grace period after your licence expires, provided you have proof of renewal. To avoid fines after this period, ensure you have a temporary driver’s licence or avoid driving until your new card is issued. Keeping records of your renewal attempts and understanding your rights when stopped can help you navigate this process without unnecessary penalties.
