In this blog post, we’ll be discussing what cars are illegal in South Africa. We’ll also be discussing why these cars are illegal, and what the consequences are for driving one of these cars.
South Africa has strict vehicle regulations in place in order to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians and to promote environmental sustainability. One of the most notable regulations is the requirement for all vehicles to have a valid Certificate of Fitness (CoF). The CoF is a document that proves that a vehicle is roadworthy and meets all the safety standards. The authorities do not consider any vehicle that does not have a valid CoF to be illegal. There are a few reasons a car might not have a valid CoF. For example, if a car is older than 30 years, it is automatically disqualified from receiving a CoF. This is because older cars are more likely to break down and cause accidents. Another reason a car might not have a valid CoF is if it does not meet the emission standards set by the government. They do not permit cars that produce too much pollution to be driven on South African roads. They will also not grant any car that has been modified illegally a CoF. Some common examples of illegal modifications include removing the muffler (which is illegal in South Africa).
If you have ever owned a car, or know someone who has, you’ll know that cars are expensive. That is why many people import used cars from other countries to save money. Unfortunately, not all car imports are legal. Imported and used cars must meet the same safety standards as South African-built cars. Unlicensed dealers, non-negotiable prices, and hidden costs can all be warning signs of an illegal deal on a car import. The best defence against being ripped off by an illegal car dealer is knowledge of the risks of importing a car in South Africa. This article lists some indicators of illegal imports and what to do if you or someone you know has been scammed by an unlicensed dealer selling an illegally imported car with hidden costs and high reselling price.
How to Identify an Illegal Import?
There are several indicators that a car import is illegal. These include: The car is priced below market value – imported cars are sold at a high markup in South Africa. This markup is used to cover potential costs that may come up from legal importation, like paying a customs broker to clear the car at the border. The car has a title issued by a consulate – if the car title is not issued by the South African Department of Transport (DOT), it is an illegal import. The car is not equipped with SA-compliant parts – South African law requires imported cars to have the same safety features as domestically built cars. The car has a foreign license plate – imported cars must have South African license plates.
Slip-shifting
Scammers sometimes try to trick buyers into thinking they’re buying a legal import, but slip-shifting is one of the most common indicators of an illegal car sale. When you buy a car, you are expected to pay half of the car’s resale price at the time of purchase, and the other half when the car is cleared by DOT during importation. If the seller only wants to collect half of the money upfront, it is a red flag. You’ll only have to pay the remaining amount when the car is cleared by DOT, but the seller should ask for the second half of the purchase price at the same time as you.
Wrong Registration Markings
If you can’t find the car’s VIN number on the registration documents, it is most likely an illegal import. Each car imported into South Africa is required to have a unique VIN. This number is entered into a database that includes the car’s country of origin and the name of the company authorized to import it. The VIN is stamped on the car’s chassis. If you can’t find it, the car is almost certainly an illegal import.
Lack of VIN Stamping and OEM branding
If the car has no VIN stamping or branding from the manufacturer, it may be an illegal import. Car manufacturers certify their cars meet the South African safety standard, and they can only do this if they have access to them. If the seller can’t show you the car’s original engine or transmission, it’s almost certainly an illegal import.
High Reselling Price
Illegal car importers often overprice their cars to make up for the risk of the car being seized by authorities. They also rarely have the same customer service standards as legal car dealers do, so you may be out of luck if something goes wrong with the car after you buy it. If you see a car advertised at an unusually high price, it is possible that the seller is hoping to make more money from one sale than a legal dealer would from many sales.
Can I get my money back?
If you buy a car that is later discovered to be an illegal import, you may have few avenues for recourse. You can report the seller to your nearest Department of Transport office, but there is little chance that the car will be seized and the seller penalized. It is more likely that the DOT will issue a fine to the new owner of the car. This fine may be as high as R40,000. If you are serious about buying a used car, it is important to know as much as you can about it before entering a sale. You can start by having the car inspected by a third-party mechanic, and getting a written report that includes any problems the car has. You should also run a car history report through one of the many online car history databases. This report will tell you if the car has been reported stolen, or if it has been involved in any previous accidents.
