More than 1 300 scholar transport vehicles impounded in safety crackdown

Law enforcement authorities seize unsafe scholar transport vehicles amid nationwide crackdown

June 6, 2026

Chris Ndaliso 1 minute read

More than 1 300 scholar transport vehicles were impounded across South Africa during the first three months of 2026 as authorities intensified efforts to remove unsafe vehicles from the country’s roads.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said on Friday that 1 324 scholar transport vehicles were seized by law enforcement authorities during the first quarter of the year following widespread non-compliance with traffic regulations, The Witness reports.

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The corporation warned that thousands of pupils remained exposed to serious road safety risks due to the poor condition of many vehicles used to transport learners.

The RTMC, working with the Department of Transport, provincial governments and municipalities, has identified scholar transport as a major road safety concern requiring intensified enforcement during the winter road safety campaign.

Statistics from nationwide law enforcement operations showed that 6 120 scholar transport vehicles were stopped and inspected, with 4 035 found to be operating in violation of traffic laws.

Authorities cited unroadworthy vehicles, overloading, the transportation of learners without seatbelts and the use of illegal modes of transport among the most serious safety concerns.

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Several vehicles were found operating without the required public transport permits, while some drivers failed to produce valid driving licences.

In addition, 36 drivers were unable to provide professional driving permits, a legal requirement for transporting passengers.

Inspectors also uncovered numerous vehicle defects, including faulty tyres, brakes and rear stop lamps.

A total of 155 vehicles were found to be unlicensed, while 805 were fined for overloading.

The RTMC said it was particularly concerned about the age profile of offenders, noting that most transgressors were between 18 and 35 years old, followed by those aged between 35 and 45.

“Intensified enforcement efforts would continue to ensure the safety of learners and reduce the risk of crashes involving scholar transport vehicles,” the corporation said.

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