Your imported car can land you on hot tar
Your imported car can be impounded
“Your imported car can be impounded.”
This is a stern warning from the municipal law enforcement unit and traffic department that are focusing on illegal cars.
The first operation was held on Monday, March 8 and the basement at the Civic Theatre quickly filled up with impounded cars.
Video: Chief Delisiwe Motha explains why cars with foreign number plates are impounded in eMalahleni.
Drivers scurried along phoning for someone to fetch them because they had to hand their car keys to the law enforcement unit.
Law enforcement had the huge task of verifying each vehicle.
The importation of used vehicles is restricted to protect the local motor vehicle manufacturing industry.
If the vehicle is foreign registered it may only remain in South Africa for a maximum of three months each year.
Passports and proof of residence in the foreign state can be requested; likewise temporary import permits (TIPS).
According to the International Trade Administration Act (ITAC), the importation of vehicles into South Africa is prohibited.
The importation of used vehicles is only allowed in exceptional cases, for example, to immigrants with permanent residence and residents returning to South Africa.
Permits are only issued under specifically defined circumstances.
Mainly returning South African nationals and immigrants who have permanent residence are permitted to bring vehicles registered in their names into the country.
“Emalahleni Law Enforcement Unit is focussing on confiscating all imported cars of which the paperwork is not in order,” said Mr Lebo Mofokeng Emalahleni Local Municipality spokesperson told WITBANK NEWS.
Chief Delisiwe Motha, head of the local law enforcement unit urged parents to make sure that the transport their children use to school is legitimate.
“If you are in an accident, and you were travelling in a car not registered in South Africa, the road accident fund will not pay it,” Chief Motha said.
There are four steps to follow if you want to import a car legally:
Before you import a used vehicle, goods vehicle or trailer you must first obtain a letter of authority from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS).
Complete the application for import of second hand or used passenger vehicle.
If you are a South African citizen, submit the following documents: Identity document or passport, a letter from an employer confirming permanent employment abroad and reflecting the period of employment (salary advice, payslips, job offers, job contracts, tax returns, work permits, etc. are not considered proof of employment), and a certified copy of the official foreign vehicle registration certificate.
If you are a legal immigrant, submit the following documents:
A copy of your South African permanent residence certificate, a copy of your foreign passport, a copy of your foreign motor vehicle registration certificate, proof of study or research to be concluded where applicable.
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