Question:
I would like to know if it’s allowed to tow a car from one province to another. If yes, what permits does one need?
Answer:
You may tow a car under the following conditions.
Reg 330. Towing of vehicles
No person shall operate a vehicle on a public road towing another vehicle—
(a) if the length of the tow‑rope, chain or tow‑bar between the two vehicles exceeds three and a half metres;
(b) if the towed vehicle is connected to the towing vehicle in such a manner that both vehicles are not under control;
(c) unless the steering gear of the vehicle being towed is controlled by a person holding a code of driving licence authorising him or her to drive the class of such vehicle, if the towed vehicle is fitted with steering gear contemplated in regulation 200(1): Provided that the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply in the case where—
(i) the steerable wheels of the towed vehicle are being carried clear of the ground; or
(ii) the device connecting the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle is such that the steerable wheels of the towed vehicle are controlled by such device;
(d) if the brakes of the towed vehicle do not comply with the provisions of regulation 155, unless the towing vehicle is connected to the towed vehicle by means of a drawbar or tow‑bar;
(e) at a speed in excess of 30 kilometres per hour, unless the towing vehicle is connected to the towed vehicle by means of a drawbar or a tow‑bar;
(f) if the towed vehicle is conveying persons at a speed in excess of 30 kilometres per hour, unless the towed vehicle is a semi‑trailer; or
(g) if the towing vehicle is a motor cycle, motor tricycle, motor quadrucycle or pedal cycle.
If the vehicle is not roadworthy a special permit is required in terms of regulation 84.
Reg 84. Circumstances in which motor vehicle may be operated on public road under temporary or special permit
(1) A person who desires to operate on a public road a motor vehicle which is to be registered and licensed in the Republic in terms of Chapter III of this Act, but has not been registered and licensed or is registered in terms of Chapter III of this Act but not licenced, and which may not otherwise be operated on a public road, may—;
(a) if he or she is to become the owner of such motor vehicle in the Republic, obtain a temporary permit in respect of such motor vehicle in order to operate such motor vehicle on a public road as if it is registered and licensed, if such motor vehicle is to be—
(i) delivered within the Republic by or to such person;
(ii) delivered within the Republic by or to a motor dealer, or
(iii) registered and licensed in terms of Chapter III of the Act, but only during the period permitted for such registration and licensing; or
(b) obtain a special permit in respect of such motor vehicle in order to operate such motor vehicle on a public road as if it is registered and licensed for purposes of—
(i) testing such motor vehicle within the Republic;
(ii) proceeding to or returning from a place within the Republic where repairs are to be or have been effected to such motor vehicle;
(iii) reaching an examiner of vehicles or mass measuring apparatus; or
(iv) repossessing such motor vehicle, as contemplated in regulation 69 (2);
(2) A temporary permit—
(a) shall not be issued in respect of a motor vehicle referred to in regulation 138(1) unless a certification of roadworthiness in respect of such motor vehicle is submitted; or
(b) which is blank, may only be issued to a motor dealer.
(3) The owner of a motor vehicle which is licensed and who cannot comply forthwith with the provisions of regulation 35 or 36, may obtain a temporary permit in order to operate the motor vehicle on a public road.
(4) A special permit shall not authorise the holder of such permit to convey persons or goods in the motor vehicle concerned.
(5) A temporary or special permit shall not be issued in respect of a motor vehicle not intended to be registered in the Republic, in terms of provisions of the Act, unless such motor vehicle is already registered in the Republic in terms of Chapter III of the Act.; and
(6) No person shall operate a motor vehicle not intended to be registered in the Republic in terms of provisions of the Act, under a temporary or special permit, unless such motor vehicle is already registered in the Republic in terms of Chapter III of the Act.
Regards
Alta
Also view:
Towing Of Vehicles and National Road Traffic Act