Motorists are urged to check that their vehicles are roadworthy before heading onto local roads this Easter or risk paying up to R4 000 in fines.

With many families expected to travel over the Easter holiday period, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) is concerned about the high number of unroadworthy vehicles still being driven on the roads, with Gauteng recording the highest figures in the country.

This warning hits close to local residents, where thousands of them rely on their cars daily to commute to work, school, church and family gatherings, especially during long weekends and holiday travel.

According to figures released by the RTMC, 342 084 vehicles in the country are unroadworthy. Gauteng has the highest recorded numbers in the country, sitting at 176 450.

Section 42(1) of the National Road Traffic Act stipulates that it is illegal to drive an unroadworthy vehicle on a public road. Drivers found doing so could face traffic violation fines, while their vehicles may also be impounded. Motorists could then be held liable for towing, storage and release costs on top of the fine.

Drivers are encouraged to carry out basic checks before travelling, including inspecting brakes, tyres, lights, wipers, indicators, battery condition and fluid levels. Even smaller faults, if ignored, can lead to dangerous breakdowns or crashes, particularly on busy roads during peak holiday traffic.

The warning also extends to public transport and commercial operators travelling through and around the Roodepoort area. Taxi operators, buses and freight vehicles are expected to be in proper working condition before transporting passengers or goods.

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The statement also emphasises that roadworthy testing remains a legal requirement for certain vehicle categories. Buses must be tested every six months, while taxis and heavy freight trucks must undergo annual testing. Concern over the number of expired Professional Driving Permits (PrDPs) across the country has also been raised in the statement.

According to the latest figures, there are 338 649 expired PrDPs nationally, with Gauteng accounting for 108 788, which is again the highest in South Africa. This means some professional drivers could be operating illegally if their permits are no longer valid, placing both passengers and other road users at risk.

With Easter expected to bring heavier traffic volumes on major routes and local roads alike, Roodepoort motorists are being reminded that road safety begins long before turning the ignition key.