Is Your Number Plate Legal?
Ensuring your vehicle's number plate complies with South African regulations is crucial for road safety and legal compliance. Non-compliant plates can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or even criminal charges. Here's a detailed guide to help you determine if your number plate meets the legal standards.
Legal Number Plate Sizes
South African law recognizes only three standard number plate sizes:Vehicles with differing front and rear plate apertures may use two different sizes accordingly.
- 520 mm x 113 mm – with 75 mm high alphanumeric characters
- 250 mm x 205 mm – with 75 mm high alphanumeric characters
- 250 mm x 165 mm – with 60 mm high alphanumeric characters
Font and Markings
Your number plate must adhere to the following:Any deviation from these requirements renders the plate illegal.
- Use the GE font, specifically designed for South African number plates
- Display a certification mark containing the supplier's name or trademark and batch number
- Include an SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) sticker, typically placed beneath the provincial logo
Attachment and Positioning
Proper attachment and positioning are essential:These measures ensure plates remain visible and legible at all times.
- Secure plates using 4 mm rivets or one-way self-tapping screws
- Double-sided tape or temporary adhesives are not allowed
- For vehicles like passenger cars and SUVs, plates must not be mounted higher than 1.5 meters from ground level
- If a rear plate is temporarily obscured (e.g., by a bicycle rack), a duplicate plate must be affixed to the obstructing item
Design and Provincial Backgrounds
Each province in South Africa has a unique background design for number plates. Only these official designs are permitted. Additionally, no advertising or decorative elements are allowed on plates or their holders. Violations can lead to fines and the requirement to replace non-compliant plates.
Personalized Number Plates
Personalized plates are available but must adhere to specific guidelines:Personalized plates are the property of the owner and can be transferred between vehicles or to a beneficiary.
- Maximum of 7 characters, using only letters and numbers
- No special characters (e.g., %, &, @) or offensive language
- Application requires a certified ID copy, vehicle registration certificate, and proof of residence
- Fees vary by province
Compliance and Enforcement
Non-compliance with number plate regulations can result in:Authorities use advanced technology, including Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems and Average Speed Over Distance (ASOD) cameras, to detect violations in real time.
- Fines and penalties
- Vehicle impoundment
- Criminal charges for fraudulent plates
Ensure Compliance with UniPlate
At UniPlate, we specialize in producing SABS-approved number plates that meet all legal requirements. Our services include:Choose UniPlate for peace of mind and legal compliance on the road.
- Manufacturing plates in all legal sizes and provincial designs
- Using the correct GE font and certified materials
- Providing secure attachment options compliant with regulations
- Assisting with personalized plate applications
For more information or to order your compliant number plate, contact us.