No more using driving licences as ID!

Share current article via FacebookShare current article via PinterestShare current article via WhatsAppShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInNewsNo more using driving licences as ID!By: Nhlanhla Khomola • 0m agoAdd as a preferred source on GoogleFollow on Google NewsListen to this article-00:00lead-art-block.fullscreen-enterExpandThe Department of Transport wants to stop people from using driver’s licences, learner’s licences and Traffic Register Number (TRN) certificates as general identification documents. (supplied) Department proposes new regulations to end use of licences as general IDTHE Department of Transport wants to stop people from using driver’s licences, learner’s licences and Traffic Register Number (TRN) certificates as general identification documents.

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The department is proposing amendments to the National Road Traffic Regulations to prevent the abuse of road traffic documents and ensure that identification is handled by Home Affairs.

The proposed changes follow a 2023 investigation conducted with Home Affairs, which uncovered widespread abuse of TRNs and other road traffic documents being used as identity documents.

According to the department, TRNs were created to allow people without South African identity numbers to conduct road traffic transactions while finalising their legal status with Home Affairs.

They were never intended to serve as general identification documents.

The investigation found that some institutions were accepting TRNs and driving licences as general identification, despite the Identification Act, 1997, giving Home Affairs the responsibility of maintaining the National Population Register and issuing identification documents.

Under the proposed amendments, road traffic documents will no longer qualify as acceptable identification for general purposes. They will only be used for their intended road traffic-related transactions.

The department also wants to tighten controls on the issuing and use of TRNs.

People who hold TRNs and later obtain another acceptable identification document will have to notify their registering authority within 21 days and surrender their TRN certificates.

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The proposed regulations further state that a TRN will only remain valid for as long as the passport and permit submitted when applying for it remain valid.

People who currently hold TRN certificates without a validity period will have to apply for new certificates within three months after the regulations come into operation.

The department said the proposed amendments would have implications for institutions such as banks, Airports Company South Africa, offices and residential estates, which will have to review their identification policies and systems once the changes take effect.

The department will publish the draft amendments for public comment in the Government Gazette. Interested parties and affected institutions will have 30 days from the date of publication to submit written comments.

The department will consider the submissions before publishing the final regulations, together with a commencement date.

In the meantime, provinces have been instructed to centralise the issuing of TRNs at provincial help desks to strengthen controls.

The department said the amendments were intended to remove legal uncertainty, prevent abuse and align road traffic legislation with the Identification Act.

Passionate news journalist with a strong interest in investigative reporting, crime, courts, social justice and community news. Dedicated to uncovering the truth, Nhlanhla is committed to telling impactful stories that give a voice to ordinary people while holding those in positions of power accountable

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