‘Is my car roadworthy?’ is a question all South African motorists should often ask themselves. Some motorists may downplay this issue, but our very lives may depend on it. Let’s look at the requirements of vehicle roadworthiness in South Africa.
What does the law say?1
Every bus, taxi, truck, passenger vehicle and any other vehicle that uses South African roads have to be roadworthy by law. The law is stricter with buses, taxis and trucks, as they have to undergo a roadworthiness test every year. If not, owners of these vehicles will not be able to obtain their vehicle licenses.
Buying a car1
You can take possession of a new or pre-owned car once a roadworthy certificate has been obtained. This is usually undertaken by the dealer selling you the car, but you would have to do this yourself with private deals.
A requirement by the car insurer1
You cannot purchase car insurance if your car is not roadworthy. The onus lies with customers to ensure that their vehicle is indeed roadworthy. The insurer won’t check this, but it will become important when an accident claim has been submitted. The claim may be rejected if the vehicle was not roadworthy at the time. Make sure you read your car insurance policy carefully!
The statistics1
Out of more than 1000 cars tested by the National Vehicle Testing Association in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, up to 80% were not roadworthy. Based on these statistics, the Retail Motor Industry requested that the Government make regular roadworthy testing compulsory for all vehicles.
Below are some points you can follow to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy.
- Are your vehicle identification numbers correct? 1
Your vehicle’s engine and chassis numbers must be the same as displayed on the vehicle registration certificate. If not, the car will have to be taken for Police Clearance.
- The car’s electrical system1
The electrical system consisting of headlights, dip lights, parking lights, number plate lights, indicators, stop lights, and taillights must work. Included are the hooter, windscreen wipers, alternator, generator, and general wiring, which must not be loose or exposed. Battery clamps keeping the battery in place are also essential.
- What about headlights? 1
These must point in the required direction, while cracked lenses are not permitted as moisture could enter and produce rust.
- Are your door handles working safely? 1
They should be firm and easy to open from the outside and inside.
- Other requirements1
Windscreen and window glass must not be cracked, and window winders must work. Safety belts must be completely undamaged and easily click into position. Seats must be firmly secured, and not worn, with springs showing. Any rust on the chassis makes the vehicle non-roadworthy and would have to be repaired. Brakes need to operate according to standard requirements. Most importantly, tyre tread depth must not be less than 1 mm.
Motorists are encouraged to regularly check their vehicles and be able to tick all the boxes regarding roadworthiness.
Car insurance may help motorists keep their vehicles in a roadworthy state, especially if their cars require expensive repairs after an accident. Are you looking to buy affordable car insurance? Get affordable car insurance with fixed premiums* with PMD. T’s and C’s apply.
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
Sources:
1https://www.roadcover.co.za/2011/08/is-your-car-roadworthy/