WHEN the South Coast Sun reported in July 2001 that motorists driving with yellow number plates could face fines of R500 per plate, few imagined they would be hearing a similar warning two decades later.

Also read: Number plate change deadline looms

At the time, the KZN Road Traffic Inspectorate announced that the old yellow plates had to be replaced with the new blue and white design, part of a nationwide effort to standardise vehicle registration. According to then-official Sybrand van Dyk, all vehicles registered from January 1, 1997, were required to make the switch, with a deadline of December 31, 2001. At the time, the update cost motorists between R90 and R200 per plate. Now, 24 years later, the province is again calling on motorists to change their number plates.

The KZN Department of Transport announced that November 30, 2025, is the final date for motorists to switch to the newly designed plates, which feature reflective surfaces and embedded security features to help combat vehicle cloning, fraud, and other crimes.

Those who miss the deadline could face penalties or run into difficulties when renewing their vehicle licences.

While the 2001 change was all about aesthetics and standardisation, this year’s update focuses on safety and technology. But for many long-time residents, it is another reminder that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

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