• Lockdown expired vehicle licences have been given another extension to 22 September.

• It's important to note the extension does not apply to all expired vehicle licences.

• Please try to renew your vehicle licence before the new deadline.

• For more motoring stories, go to www.Wheels24.co.za

Earlier in August, it was announced that an additional grace period of three weeks had been given to those with lockdown-expired vehicle licences. The new extended deadline is 22 September; however, there are terms and conditions, which means this extension is not for all motorists.

I am also a bit concerned because so many of our readers believe there is still a 90-day grace period AFTER the September deadline. It is incredibly important to note that this extension was only for vehicle licences which expired during the period of 26 March and 31 May 2020.

Here are some frequently asked questions that will hopefully clear up any confusion for motorists.

1. If my vehicle licence expired between 31 March and 31 May 2020, when do I need to renew?

Vehicle licences should have been renewed by 31 August 2020. If you still need to renew your vehicle licence, you will incur a penalty of about 22% extra.

2. What if my vehicle licence expired 30 June 2020?

Payment and renewal had to be renewed by 21 July 2020, any renewal done after this date means extra penalty costs will be incurred. 

3. What if my vehicle licence expired on 31 July 2020?

Payment and renewal had to be renewed by 21 August 2020 and any renewal done after that date would mean extra charges will be applied. 

4. When do motor trade vehicle numbers/trade plates for motor vehicle dealers have to be renewed which expired during the national lockdown?

These need to be renewed by 31 November 2020.  

5. When does my lockdown expired driver licence, learner's licence, or roadworthy certificates have to be renewed?

Any learner, driver's or motor trade licence which expired between 26 March and 31 August (and only these dates) have until 31 January 2021 to renew your licence.    

6. Does the 21 January licence renewal apply to me if my driver's or learner's licence expired AFTER 31 August? 

No, if your learner's or driver's licence card expires in September or after that, you need to renew your licence as soon as possible and also pay extra for a temporary licence. 

7. Why do I need to pay penalties if we were in lockdown?

The City of Cape Town explained that customers who could not renew their licences due to lockdown, but who needed to renew their licences before 26 March when the lockdown was implemented but failed to do so, will, unfortunately, have to pay penalties. 

"These fines cannot be written off as it is not a decision the City can make. This falls within the ambit of the National Department of Transport, and the City follows the prescripts of the applicable regulations and legislation. The City continues to engage the Western Cape Government and the National Department of Transport on this issue. The City is only an agent of the other government spheres when it comes to vehicle licensing; they hold the authority. The decision to write off licence penalties rests with the National Department of Transport. The Ministry did not include this scenario for penalties to be written off for vehicle licences that have expired before the lockdown."

Janine Van der Post is the first female editor at Wheels24, and of a mainstream motoring publication. If you have any queries, you can email her here.