New licence numbering system introduced in KZN

On 29 November 2023, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Gazette number R4119 was published. The gazette introduced the new licensing system for display on number plates. KEVIN VAN DER MERWE, executive manager: certification and operations at the Road Freight Association (RFA), explains its implications.

Two days earlier, on 27 November, Sipho Hlomuka, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety, and Liaison, had signed the new provincial legislation pertaining to the new licence numbering system into law. The system came into effect on 1 December.

This means that inhabitants of KwaZulu-Natal with motor vehicles registered and licensed in the province will soon be displaying new number plates issued in terms of the newly published requirements. These new numbers will be displayed only on embossed metal or plastic number plates that comply with SANS 1116.

The new numbering system and number plates provide for the following categories:

1. General vehicles: The number plate surface is white retro-reflective with BLUE letters and figures, comprising a sequence of two letters, and two figures, two letters, followed by the provincial Coat of Arms and the letters ZN (BB 12 CD # ZN).
2. Public transport vehicles: The number plate surface is white retro-reflective with BLACK letters and figures, comprising a sequence of two letters, and two figures, two letters, followed by the provincial Coat of Arms and the letters ZN (BB 12 CD # ZN).
3. Personalised licence general plates: The number plate surface is white retro-reflective with BLUEletters, figures, or a combination of letters and figures up to seven characters, followed by the provincial Coat of Arms and the letters ZN (NGIDI # ZN).
4. Personalised licence public transport vehicles: The number plate surface is white retro-reflective with BLACK letters, figures, or a combination of letters and figures up to seven characters, followed by the provincial Coat of Arms and the letters ZN (ZONDI # ZN).
5. Government vehicle number plates: The number plate surface is white retro-reflective with REDletters and figures followed by the provincial Coat of Arms and the letters ZN. The plate must have the letter G followed by letters AA, three figures, the provincial Coat of Arms, and the letters ZN (GAA 123 # ZN).
6. Motor trade number plates: The number plate surface is white retro-reflective with BLUE letters and figures. It must have the letter A, followed by two letters and three figures, followed by the provincial Coat of Arms and the letters ZN (ABB 100 # ZN). It must have a space that includes a licence disc holder.
7. iSilo’s (the Zulu King’s) number plates: The number plate must have the letters ZK followed by letters or figures not exceeding seven characters, followed by the Royal Coat of Arms. The letters and figures as well as the letters ZK must be BLUE (ZK # MAGEBA).
8. Temporary and special permits: Both types of permit must have the letter E followed by two letters and three figures, then the letters ZN (EBB 123 ZN). 

Other criteria apply, such as positioning the province’s ID at the top middle of the number plate. A so-called “positive identification image” must be incorporated into the plate with the letters ZN.

The existing “discrete” licence numbers (NP for Pietermaritzburg, ND for Durban, or NRB for Richards Bay) will be phased out within the 24 months following 1 December 2023. Number plates that are lost, stolen, or damaged prior to renewal or the end of the 24-month replacement period must be reported to the SAPS. This applies to temporary permits too. If your licence is due for renewal in August 2024, you can only choose to not get the new licence once. By August 2025 when it comes up for renewal once again, you will be required to use the new system. In this manner, all KwaZulu-Natal vehicles will be using the new Licence Numbering System by the end of November 2025.

The cost of complying with the new licence plates and numbering is for the account of the registered motor vehicle owner.

It is strongly recommended that operators who have fleet vehicles licensed in KwaZulu-Natal obtain a copy of the Provincial Gazette R4119 dated 29 November 2023 if they require more information relating to the new licence number system.