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The Automobile Association (AA) has called for a moratorium on fines for motorists without renewed driver’s licenses that must be urgently implemented.
The organization also called for immediate steps to be taken to fix the current renovation processes.
According to the AA, the driver’s license renewal system was broken even before the shutdown began.
“Now, with thousands of eager motorists scrambling to renew their driver’s license cards for a variety of reasons, the failures of the system are being exposed even more,” AA said.
According to the AA, there are many problems that make it difficult for motorists to renew their licenses. This includes:
- The online reservation system does not work.
- Driver’s License Test Centers (DLTC) are open irregularly and with little staff.
- Online networks on DLTCs are also often down.
“What is more concerning is that it appears that the authorities do not recognize this or any attempt to help the public.”
The AA is particularly concerned that traffic law enforcement authorities are putting up barricades to catch drivers with expired driver’s license cards and vehicle license discs.
This, AA said, is done even though they are aware that there are few avenues for motorists to renew these documents.
“It is an absurd situation where motorists cannot renew their discs or cards and are then arrested and fined for not having done so,” he said.
In addition to calling for a moratorium on fines, AA said it has now become more than critical that alternatives to current renewal processes be implemented.
“Not only must outside agents like the AA be allowed to renew driver’s license cards, but the current system needs a radical and swift overhaul,” he said.
Extend the validity of driving licenses from 5 to 10 years.
Organization undoing tax abuse (OUTA) He has written to the Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, asking him to consider changing the driver’s license renewal process from 5 to 10 years.
“This should save time and money for the South African consumer and government, as well as improve the administration and management capacity of the renewal process by the state,” said OUTA.
OUTA proposed the following to the Minister of Transport:
- That an extension be applied for the renewal of the driver’s license from 5 to 10 years.
- The 5 to 10 year extension applies between the ages of 18 to 65.
- That the most efficient online application processes for driver license renewal precede the actual renewal, to allow for more efficient service delivery and a flow between appointment, eye exam, and license delivery.
- Well-known test centers and service providers offer multiple methods to renew your driver’s license, that is, stronger collaboration with neutral third-party organizations such as the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA).
- That the current restrictions applicable to professional driving licenses remain the same, or possibly are also extended, but that this decision is based on more extensive research and the inclusion of input from tourism and bus stakeholders.
The AA supported the OUTA proposal, as long as motorists undergo vision exams by registered professionals at least every five years to ensure their vision is good enough to remain safe on the road.
He suggested that these eye exams be performed by motorists and presented to authorities when requested.
Now Read: Explanation of Expiration Dates for New South African Driver’s License
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