How to drive your SUV – legally

YOU HAVE done your research and found the SUV that fits your needs and budget. Now, it’s time to get it on the road. The Road Traffic Act and Regulations require that any motor vehicle or trailer be registered and licensed before it is used on any public road.

TO REGISTER AND LICENSE A NEW MOTOR VEHICLE, YOU NEED THE FOLLOWING:

IIIIIValid certificate of fitness. Valid insurance certificate or cover note. Receipt and invoice from motor car dealer. Copy of original Import Entry (C78) signed by Customs and two photocopies. Identification (passport or driver’s licence. Your TRN is required to complete the form. Letter of authorisation along with the company stamp, if application is for a company.

ITO REGISTER AND LICENSE YOUR NEW SUV

IIIIIIFor private Import – original and copy of import licence. Complete application form for new registration plates, registration, licence and title (forms obtainable at the tax office as well as their online portal). Pay required fees and collect appropriate receipts. Collect title in approximately three months. Do keep the title in a safe place as your will not be able to transfer your vehicle without it. Keep your registration plate receipt in a safe place. You will need it if you are to transfer your plates to another vehicle at a later date. Motor vehicles may be licensed for six or 12 months.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN YOU PURCHASE A SECOND-HAND VEHICLE

IEnsure that the engine and chassis

numbers on the relevant documents agree with the engine and chassis numbers on the vehicle. Ensure that there is a title for the vehicle to be purchased.

IDOCUMENTS YOU SHOULD HAVE WHEN TRANSFERRING A MOTOR VEHICLE

ICertificate of title