‘More than 2 million licence discs to expire’: RTMC urges road safety amongst motorists ahead of the festive season

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has issued a warning to motorists ahead of the festive season, urging them to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and all necessary documentation is up to date. A staggering 2,248,795 vehicle licence discs will expire in November and December, highlighting the urgency for drivers to renew their licences well before the busy holiday period.

Gauteng leads the pack with 851,687 discs set to expire, followed by the Western Cape with 374,761, and KwaZulu-Natal with 327,014. Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Free State, North West, and Northern Cape also have a significant number of discs due for renewal.

With traffic volumes expected to soar during this period, motorists are advised to take advantage of the RTMC's extended operating hours at the Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) - open seven days a week from 7am to 9pm. This allows for more opportunities to renew driving licences and have them delivered to residential or workplace addresses.

Before hitting the roads, the RTMC emphasizes the importance of vehicle inspections, urging drivers to pay close attention to tyre condition, brake functionality, lights, windscreen wipers, and other essential safety components. With rain expected in several parts of the country, drivers are particularly encouraged to exercise caution while driving in wet weather.

Heavy vehicle drivers are urged to undergo health checks to ensure they are medically fit to operate such vehicles. Drivers are reminded to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, and ensure all passengers wear seatbelts. Ultimately, the RTMC stresses that proper planning, responsible driving, and regular vehicle maintenance are key to ensuring safer roads and preventing road crashes, injuries, and fatalities during the festive season.