More than 250 taxi drivers found operating without proper licencing ahead of the festive season

Over 250 taxi drivers were discovered operating without valid licences as preparations intensified for the festive season, according to a joint operation by the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate, Road Traffic Management Corporation and law enforcement agencies. The inspections, focusing on high-risk transport routes, particularly scrutinized vehicle conditions, documentation validity, driver adherence, and compliance with public transport regulations.

During October 2026, 255 minibus taxis were found without valid licences, with 140 lacking proper licence discs. Additionally, more than 3,000 infringement notices were issued, and 65 minibuses were taken out of service due to unsafe conditions. The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport emphasized these actions to eliminate unsafe vehicles and safeguard passengers and other road users.

Over 3,500 handwritten Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) infringement notices were distributed, and 3,585 electronic infringement notices were handled via the Inspectorate's electronic devices. The operations also led to 132 discontinuation notices and the arrest of 22 individuals. Sixteen were detained for driving under the influence, two for fraud, one for attempted bribery, one for interference, and one for violating immigration laws.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, stressed that removing unsafe vehicles and penalizing non-compliant drivers are vital for maintaining road safety. She warned that operating without valid discs and driving without licenses not only contravene the law but also endanger passengers and other road users. Diale-Tlabela confirmed that enforcement efforts will persist throughout the province, targeting non-compliant drivers and vehicles to bolster road safety and ensure strict adherence to traffic and public transport laws ahead of the festive season.