Roadworthy

When it comes to vehicle roadworthy tests, currently there are no annual or for that matter, regular roadworthy tests.

Once you have the licence papers, you’re pretty much free to do what you want to the vehicle as long as you renew your licence every year.

“Unlike countries such as the UK, which enforce annual MOT (Ministry of Transport) inspections, South Africa only requires motorists to renew their vehicle licence discs annually. Without mandatory roadworthiness checks for private vehicles, many unroadworthy cars remain on our roads unchecked.

"The AA advocates for annual vehicle roadworthiness inspections to ensure that vehicles remain safe over time.”

They say it will prevent vehicles from becoming unsafe due to modifications or neglect, reduce the number of unroadworthy cars on the road and close loopholes that allow dangerous vehicles to operate without oversight.

“The AA is willing to work with the government on a plan that will enforce frequent, mandatory roadworthy inspections and help to combat any fraudulent activities that have been in the spotlight recently where service providers approve vehicles that should be deemed unroadworthy.”

Corruption

As we know, corruption is a scourge that almost every motorist has come across, with “cooldrink” money often the order of the day before continuing with the journey.

“The AA supports stronger oversight, digital tracking of roadworthy tests and harsher penalties for corruption. Ensuring that every roadworthy certificate is legitimate, traceable and verifiable is essential to improving compliance.”

They concluded by saying: “The AA remains firm in advocating for annual roadworthiness inspections. This will not only address safety concerns related to vehicle modifications but also help eliminate unroadworthy vehicles and combat corruption. Road safety should never be compromised.”