Gauteng number plates are getting a redesign as part of a new system introduced by the provincial government. The updated plates were officially presented during a recent media briefing—but the public rollout is still some time away.
The Gauteng Provincial Government is rolling out out a pilot launch of a new number plate system in the province. @NkosinathiShazi
The new plates which will be used by provincial gov for the next 6 months has a barcode that cannot be removed.
-With Gauteng accounting for most… pic.twitter.com/ShiDsG564O— POWER987News (@POWER987News) June 5, 2025
New Features Focus on Security
According to officials, the new plates have been designed with crime prevention in mind. Each plate includes:
- A QR code for digital verification
- A tamper-evident decal that reveals signs of interference
- National identifiers such as the South African flag and UN country code
The goal is to reduce the use of cloned or fake plates, which are often linked to vehicle-related crimes.
Crime and Vehicle Links Cited
During the announcement, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said that 85% of crimes in the province involve a vehicle—either as a getaway car, a stolen vehicle, or one with false registration.
“If we want to address crime, we need to fix the vehicle registration process,” he said.
The new Gauteng number plates are being positioned as a step in that direction.
Government Vehicles to Test the Plates First
For now, there’s no need for members of the public to take action. The system will first be piloted on government-owned g-Fleet vehicles for six months. Only after that trial period will the plates become available—or required—for regular motorists.
The provincial government has said that motorists will likely need to switch to the new Gauteng number plates during their next license disc renewal—once the system is live.
A Delayed Rollout
The updated number plate system was initially announced in 2023, with a planned launch in April 2024. That date was later pushed back, and in February 2024, it was announced that only government vehicles would test the system at first.
That pilot has now been delayed again and is expected to begin in June 2025.
What Comes Next?
While the new Gauteng number plates have been revealed, many questions still need answers. Until the trial run begins and more details are confirmed—especially around cost and process—it’s unclear how this change will affect everyday drivers in the province
