Johannesburg – Motorists in Gauteng could pay more to register their vehicles and renew their licence discs if proposed amendments to the province’s road traffic regulations are approved.
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has proposed increases ranging from R24 to R156 for annual vehicle licence disc renewals, depending on a vehicle’s tare weight, according to MyBroadband.
Under the draft amendments, the vehicle registration fee would rise from R228 to R240, while registration and licensing fees for motorcycles, motorised tricycles and quadricycles would increase from R252 to R264.
For light vehicles weighing between 1,001kg and 1,250kg, the annual licence fee would increase from R528 to R564. Owners of heavier vehicles would face larger increases, with fees for vehicles weighing between 3,250kg and 3,500kg proposed to rise from R2,484 to R2,640.
Fee adjustments
The proposed changes were published in Gauteng Provincial Extraordinary Gazette No. 247 on 5 August 2026 by Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.
According to Business Day, the proposed annual licence fee adjustments could reach 6.8%, depending on the vehicle’s weight.
The department has defended the review as part of its regulatory and financial responsibilities.
As reported by TimesLIVE, departmental spokesperson Melitah Madiba said the review was intended to “maintain financial sustainability”, offset inflation-related operating cost increases and support road infrastructure development and traffic management services.
If approved, the increases could make Gauteng’s licence disc renewal fees the highest in the country for vehicles weighing less than 3,500kg across most weight categories, MyBroadband reported.
Separate cost increase
Meanwhile, motorists could face a separate cost increase nationally if a proposed Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy on vehicle registrations or licence disc renewals is introduced. MyBroadband reported that the RAF board was investigating alternative revenue sources as declining fuel sales threaten its levy-based income.
Automobile Association of South Africa chief executive Bobby Ramagwede criticised the prospect of an additional charge, describing it as “laughable”. He argued that the RAF should address its operational problems before seeking further revenue from motorists.
The Gauteng licence fee increases remain proposals rather than confirmed new tariffs. The draft regulations were opened for public comment, with the submission deadline set for 23 September 2026.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Unsplash
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
