Gauteng is set to revolutionize its road safety and crime prevention efforts with the introduction of advanced license plates. Equipped with advanced security features, these innovative license plates are designed to deter vehicle-related crimes and streamline the licensing process.
The initiative, led by Gauteng Prime Minister Panyaza Lesufi, focuses on a critical issue: the widespread use of motor vehicles in criminal activities. From hijackings and theft to fraudulent activities, criminals often abuse vulnerable vehicle identification systems. The new plates aim to thwart these efforts by including a self-destructing decal and a barcode for authentication. While this sounds like a trick from a James Bond movie, the barcode, linked to manufacturing information, allows authorities to verify the authenticity of each board. Should anyone attempt to tamper with the record, the self-destructing sticker will render it unusable. Moreover, tThe distinctive red design of the license plates and the addition of various security markings make them instantly recognizable and difficult to counterfeit.
Related: SA government mandates tamper-proof number plates across the country
The rollout of these advanced license plates is a step towards modernizing Gauteng’s licensing system. The declining supply of standard alphanumeric combinations in the province has necessitated a more efficient and secure solution. By adopting this innovative technology, Gauteng is not only improving safety but also streamlining the license plate issuance process. Before the license plates become available to the public, the Gauteng government will conduct a pilot program on its fleet, known as the G fleet. This trial will allow authorities to assess the effectiveness of the new plates under real-world conditions. The South African government has exempted G fleet vehicles from existing license plate regulations to facilitate this pilot.
Innovative features of the new plates
According to Gauteng News, it is the new license plates not only tamper-proof, but also equipped with advanced security features to make fraudulent duplication virtually impossible. Key elements include:
- Red characters and border: The striking red design immediately distinguishes these signs, making them easily recognizable.
- Barcode Authentication: A barcode embedded on the left side of the plate links to manufacturing information, allowing authorities to track and authenticate the plate.
- Self-destructing sticker: A safety sticker is permanently affixed to the plate. If tampering is attempted, the sticker will self-destruct, making the plate unable to be reused.
- Additional safety markings: The signs show a South African flag, FOR marking, Gauteng license mark and a South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) mark.
While the exact timeline for the wider rollout to the public remains unclear, the introduction of These advanced license plates represent a promising development in the fight against vehicle-related crime. It will be interesting to observe how this innovative strategy unfolds and its potential impact on road safety and public safety in the future.
Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!