South Africa
1Min
South Africa
Dec 8, 2025
Traffic authorities have discontinued 662 vehicles and impounded 727 others during nationwide roadblocks as part of a festive season crackdown on unroadworthy and illegally operated vehicles. NaTIS data shows more than 527,000 vehicles remain unroadworthy across South Africa, prompting a zero-tolerance directive from the RTMC.
Traffic authorities have intensified enforcement operations ahead of the festive season, discontinuing and impounding hundreds of vehicles found to be unroadworthy or operating illegally. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said officers have stopped and checked 229,612 vehicles over the past six days in roadblocks conducted across the country.
A total of 662 vehicles were discontinued for defects including smooth tyres, faulty brakes, broken lights, cracked windscreens, leaking engines and steering problems. According to authorities, any combination of three faults results in the automatic discontinuation of a vehicle. Another 727 vehicles were impounded for violating the National Land Transport Act, mainly for operating public transport services without valid operating permits.
The provincial breakdown of discontinued vehicles shows KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape recorded some of the highest numbers. The figures are as follows: Eastern Cape (146), Free State (7), Gauteng (28), Limpopo (13), Mpumalanga (137), KwaZulu-Natal (113), North West (3), Western Cape (71), National Traffic Police (134) and Northern Cape (0).
Motorists have been urged to repair any defects before embarking on long-distance travel, with heavier traffic expected from next weekend following the start of school holidays and the shutdown of the construction industry.
Meanwhile, data on the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) shows there are currently 527,008 unroadworthy vehicles in South Africa, including buses, taxis and commercial vehicles. This marks an improvement from 2024, when 604,881 unroadworthy vehicles were recorded. The breakdown per province shows Gauteng with the highest number at 255,455, followed by the Western Cape with 75,369 and KwaZulu-Natal with 70,201. Other provinces recorded the following: Limpopo (24,955), Free State (35,319), Eastern Cape (34,526), Northern Cape (10,426), Mpumalanga (37,396) and North West (28,361).
Commercial vehicles over 3,500 kg, including minibus taxis, are legally required to undergo an annual roadworthy test, while buses must be tested every six months.
The RTMC said all traffic officers nationwide have been directed to adopt a zero-tolerance approach. Drivers found operating unroadworthy vehicles will face arrest, and vehicles will be impounded.
RTMC said the enforcement campaign will continue throughout the festive season.
